"Is it a good business?"
"Yes. It's always been able to give me a good livin', nothin' more, but it's all I got, and I don't know nothin' else to do. If I lose it I'll have to go into some one else's laundry, and it's hard after fifteen years—" He looked down with a catch in his voice.
"How much will it take to put you on your feet?"
"If I could get eight hundred dollars it would pay up the debts that's pressin' me and would give me a start."
"Can't you borrow at the bank?"
"No, because I've no security. The place is mortgaged all it can stand."
"Well, now you give your name and address to James, and I'll talk it over with Dr. Eaton, and we'll see what can be done. You understand we ain't givin' you the money, even if we find out you're all right. We'll lend to you, and Dr. Eaton asks interest the same as at the bank, but we take your word for security. You understand, we're a lending on your reputation, and what you stand for in your community."
"I understand, ma'am, and I'm willin' to stand on my reputation in the neighborhood."
"Well," as he rose to go, "Dr. Eaton'll come and talk it over with you, and we'll see. How's your wife now?"
"She is much better."