"I don't lend money to people like you," said Gray.
"Gray," said Busby, solemnly, "I have asked you for the loan of ten shillings."
"That's half a sovereign," said Gray.
"Do you refuse to lend it?"
"I wouldn't lend you twopence," was the reply.
In spite of this plain answer, Busby kept his ground, and said in a low, severe voice, "I'll give you one more chance, Gray. Do you refuse?"
Gray now understood the situation, which had not been clear to him before. It relieved him immensely to find that he was not the only victim of the new private secretary. Assuming a proper reluctance to continue the conversation, he said in a milder tone—
"You know this is my busy day, Busby. I'll see you later on."
"Later on won't do for me," said Busby, severely, secretly delighted at the change of affairs. "You've been insolent, and you shall pay the price. I want your answer now."
Gray affected to be seized with fear, and said hoarsely, clutching the desk—