"So I thought, my dear colleen, and I didn't fret much. The fact is,
I put the letter in the fire and forgot it. It was only three days
ago that I got another letter to know what I meant to do. I was
given three months to pay in, and if I didn't pay up the whole ten
thousand, with the five years' interest, they'd foreclose. I hadn't
paid that, Nora; I hadn't paid a penny of it; and what with interest
and compound interest, it mounted to a good round sum. Dan charged
me six per cent, on the money; but there, you don't understand
figures, child, and your pretty head shan't be worried. Anyhow, I
was to pay it all up within the three months--I, who haven't even
fifty pounds in the bank. It was a bit of a staggerer."

"I understand," said Nora; "and that was why you went the day before
yesterday to see Squire Murphy. Of course, he'll give you time;
though, now I come to think of it, he is very poor himself."

"He is that," said the Squire. "I don't blame him--not a bit."

"But what will you do, father?"

"I must think. It is a bit of a blow, my child, and I don't quite
see my way. But I am sure to, before the time comes; and I have got
three months."

"But won't he let you off, father? Must you really pay it in three
months?"

"God help me, Norrie! I can't, not just now; but I will before the
time comes."