"But the probabilities are that a good oculist can relieve her."
"I rather think so."
"Two hundred dollars would defray all the expenses of a trip to New Orleans for this purpose, but she is too poor to afford it."
"Decidedly too poor."
His grey eyes twinkled promisingly, but he would not anticipate her.
"Dr. Arnold, don't you think you could spare that small sum without much inconvenience?"
"Really! is that what you trudged into town for?"
"Yes. I have not the necessary amount at my disposal just now, and I came to ask you to lend it to me."
"Do you want the money now?"
"Yes, if you please; but before you give it to me I ought to tell you that I want the matter kept secret. No one is to know anything about it—not even my father."