"Now, Henry, take heart, and be your cool, brave self."
"Give me a little time, Madge. I've been carrying a heavy load, but thought the worst was over. I believe things have touched bottom, and I was beginning to see my way to safety in a short time. Even now the tide is turning, and I can realize on some things in a few days. But if this money is demanded to-morrow—Saturday, too, when nearly all my friends are out of town—it is very doubtful whether I could raise it."
"Would it cause your failure?"
"Yes, yes, indeed. A man may be worth a million but if he can't get hold of ready money at the moment it is needed, everything may be swept away. Oh, Madge, this is cruel I With just a little more time I could be safe and rich."
"Why have you not told us this?"
"Because I wouldn't touch your money and Mary's under any circumstances, and I know that you both would have given me no peace, through trying to persuade me to borrow from you."
"That's just like you, Henry. How much do you owe Mr. Arnault?"
"Madge, I'm not going to borrow your money."
"Of course not, Henry. Please tell me."
"You will take no action without my consent?"