“But I can’t meet it.”
“That is not my affair.”
“I have come to beg you will renew it for two months, or say one month, on whatever terms you like.”
“In two months,” answered the man brutally, “you will be no more able to pay than you are to-day. If you can’t pay it, it will be noted.”
“Merciful powers! then my husband will learn all.”
“Just so; that will be what I want; for he will then have to pay me.”
The wretched woman grew deadly pale.
“My husband will pay you,” said she; “but I shall be lost.”
“That is not my lookout. I have partners whose interests I have to consult.”
“Do not say that, sir! He has paid my debts once, and if he should be angry and take my children from me—Dear M. Van Klopen, be merciful!”