“Yes. But I see no reason why you can’t let things go on as they have, and forget the unpaid interest.”
“I have no power to do that. I put the matter in the hands of my lawyers in order to force the hidden rascal to take action.”
“I think it would be best to tell Uncle Josiah all about it, and let him help you find the one who should pay.”
“Such action would be senseless for two reasons: it would give Josiah grief and pain, and he would be unable to meet the obligation. It was larger than what the place would cover when first made, and with the deterioration in the value of the property it now far exceeds its worth. Then, there is the interest for two years.”
“Why don’t you offer to buy the place, even paying more than the mortgage calls for? It would be a kindness.”
“I made such an offer through my lawyer, but Josiah refused.”
“Then, why not cancel it altogether?”
“That would be very unbusiness-like,” he declared curtly. “But even if I so desired, it would be impossible now. I have permitted my lawyers to use the foreclosure as a threat, and I’m duty bound to see it through.”
“If it is absolutely necessary to go through with this, I don’t see that it would make it any more terrible if we should tell Uncle Josiah the whole story. It would, at least, save his thinking ill of us. Then, there is the chance that he might suggest something.”