“Madame, I never bargain. A thousand pounds, and I will place the letters in your hands.”
Virginia reflected.
“You must give me a little time to think it over. It will not be easy for me to get such a sum together.”
“A few pounds on account perhaps—say fifty—and I will call again.”
Virginia looked up at the clock. It was five minutes past four, and she fancied that she had heard the bell.
“Very well,” she said hurriedly. “Come back to-morrow, but later than this. About six.”
She crossed over to a desk that stood against the wall, unlocked one of the drawers, and took out an untidy handful of notes.
“There is about forty pounds here. That will have to do for you.”
He snatched at it eagerly.
“And now go at once, please,” said Virginia.