"John sent you here?"
He was surprised, and again perhaps a trifle amused.
"You don't suppose I should have come of my own accord? I hate coming."
"Oh, don't say that! We're always friends, always friends. But suppose you do insist on 'hating' to come—well, why have you come?"
She looked at him now.
"I couldn't help it. I refused at first, but I—I had no reason to give if I'd gone on refusing. He'd have—suspected."
"Ah!" The explanation drew an understanding nod from him.
"So I came. He's sent me to borrow money from you."
"To borrow money? What, is John——?"
"Yes, he's in great difficulties. He wants a lot of money at once."