can only promise that the debt will be paid. If I cannot even pay it
myself, as soon as my husband is exchanged he will pay whatever you
charge."

"Dat ish a very doubtful vay of doing pisness," he remarked. "I cannot
do as you ask."

"Consider, sir," she replied. "The amount I ask you to credit me for
is but small, and even if you should not get paid (which I am certain
you will) the loss cannot be felt by a man of your wealth."

"Dat makes no differenish. I can't give you credit. It ish against my
rules, and if I proke tem for you I vill have to do so for every
body."

Mrs. Wentworth's heart sank within her at the determined manner in
which he expressed his refusal. Without replying she moved towards the
door, and was about to leave the room when she thought of the
bedstead, on the sale of which she now depended. He may loan money on
it she thought, and she returned to the side of his desk. He looked up
at her impatiently.

"Vell," he remarked, frowning as he uttered the single word.

"As you won't give me credit," said Mrs. Wentworth, "I thought you may
be willing to loan me some money if I gave a security for its
payment."

"Vat kind of security?" he enquired.