sensation to her fingers.

"I must tell you," resumed Daddy Tantaine, "that I am employed by a
sheriff's officer, and that, in addition, I do a little bill collecting
for various persons. By these means I have often comparatively large
sums in my possession, and I can lend you five hundred francs for a
short time without any inconvenience to myself."

Paul's necessities and conscience were fighting a hard battle, and
he remained silent, as a person generally does before arriving at a
momentous decision.

At length he broke the silence. "No," said he, "your offer is one that I
cannot accept, for I feel--"

"This is no time, my dear Paul, to talk of feelings," interrupted Rose;
"besides, can you not see that our refusal to accept the loan annoys
this worthy gentleman?"

"The young lady is quite right," returned Daddy Tantaine. "Come, let
us say that the matter is settled. Go out and get in something to eat,
sharp, for it has struck four some time ago."

At these words, Rose started, and a scarlet flush spread over her
cheek. "Four o'clock," repeated she, thinking of her letter; but after a
moment's reflection she stepped up to the cracked mirror, and arranging
her tattered skirts, took up the banknote and left the room.

"She is a rare beauty," remarked Daddy Tantaine with the air of one who
was an authority in such matters, "and as clever as they make them.