"What! the title-deeds of Greshamsbury for a few thousand pounds?" said the doctor.
"I don't know whether you call ninety thousand pounds a few thousands; but the debt will about amount to that."
"Ah! that's the old debt."
"Old and new together, of course; every shilling I lend more weakens my security for what I have lent before."
"But you have the first claim, Sir Roger."
"It ought to be first and last to cover such a debt as that. If he wants further accommodation, he must part with his deeds, doctor."
The point was argued backwards and forwards for some time without avail, and the doctor then thought it well to introduce the other subject.
"Well, Sir Roger, you're a hard man."
"No I ain't," said Sir Roger; "not a bit hard; that is, not a bit too hard. Money is always hard. I know I found it hard to come by; and there is no reason why Squire Gresham should expect to find me so very soft."
"Very well; there is an end of that. I thought you would have done as much to oblige me, that is all."