“There is no question of a favor, no stooping to an obligation necessary. You will simply give your promise to repay it at some future day, not specifying when; and I will find a banker but too happy to treat with you.”
“But what prospect have I of such ability to pay? what resources can I reckon upon?”
“You will be angry if I repeat myself,” said Jekyl, with deep humility.
“I am already angry with myself that I should have listened to your proposal so indulgently; my troubles must, indeed, have affected me deeply when I so far forgot myself.”
Jekyl dropped his head forward on his breast, and looked a picture of sorrow; after a while he said,
“Sir Stafford Onslow would, I well know, but be honored by your asking him the slight favor; but I could not counsel you to do so. Your feelings would have to pay too severe a sacrifice, and hence I advise making it a mere business matter; depositing some ornament a necklace you were tired of, a bracelet, anything in fact, a nothing and thus there is neither a difficulty nor a disclosure.”
“I have scarcely anything,” said Kate; “and what I have, have been all presents from Lady Hester.”
“Morlache would be quite content with your word,” said Jekyl, blandly.
“And if I should be unable to acquit the debt, will these few things I possess be sufficient to do it?”
“I should say double the amount, as a mere guess.”