It must be said in justice to Alvin that he did not think at once of making application to Katy Gaumer for succor in his financial situation. To his Bessie he offered no such slight as that. But succor Alvin must have. He knew so little about the law that he feared he might be cast into prison. When he had got rid of the insulting creature and his demands, he dressed himself in the suit under discussion and at once sought Bessie at her father's house in the county seat.
There, alas! Alvin did not behave in a manner befitting one whose education and manners were so fine. He asked Bessie plainly and frankly for a loan, having been led by Miss Katy Gaumer to expect an immediate and favorable response from any female whom he honored with such a request. To his astonishment Bessie stared at him rudely.
"Why do you want money?"
"Don't you have any money?"
"It isn't time yet for my salary." In reality Alvin had been paid as at first, in advance.
"Don't you have any money in the bank?"
"Why, no!" It had never occurred to Alvin to do anything with money but spend it.
"Have you paid for the furniture?"
"The furniture?" repeated Alvin weakly.