“It will soon be cleared up,” she said, “and then we shall feel quite dull. Of course all business men have these little ups and downs. Why, I suppose of all the men you meet upon 'Change, there is not one who has not some such story to tell. If everything was always smooth, you know, then of course every one would turn stockbroker, and you would have to hold your meetings in Hyde Park. How much is it that you need?”
“More than I can ever get. Not less than thirteen thousand pounds.”
Clara's face fell as she heard the amount. “What do you purpose doing?”
“I shall go to the City now, and I shall ask all our creditors to meet me to-morrow. I shall read them Pearson's letter, and put myself into their hands.”
“And they, what will they do?”
“What can they do? They will serve writs for their money, and the firm will be declared bankrupt.”
“And the meeting will be to-morrow, you say. Will you take my advice?”
“What is it, Clara?”
“To ask them for a few days of delay. Who knows what new turn matters may take?”
“What turn can they take? I have no means of raising the money.”