"It shall be as you please," Rent said tenderly. "I will go with you now, if you choose. There is one little thing you have forgotten—I have no money, and the railway people won't give credit——"
"Oh, please don't raise these obstacles," Kate Charlock cried wearily. "I suppose you carry a watch?"
"Oh, no, my dear, I never carry one. And if I did, what use would it be to us just now?"
In spite of herself a laugh broke from Kate Charlock's lips. Would this man never improve? She crossed the room to her dressing-case and took out a diamond bangle.
"There!" she said. "You are going to have a new experience. I daresay you will have no difficulty in raising twenty pounds on that. You understand what I mean? I have nothing else to spare."
Arnold Rent inclined his head shamefully.
"Oh, I am speaking of a pawnbroker. There is no need to flush and look uncomfortable, because the thing has to be done, whether you like it or not. And, besides, there is no disgrace in the transaction. The pawnbroker keeps open his shop to do business and is as anxious for your patronage as the butcher or the grocer. Ask the first policeman you meet where you can find a respectable shop, and the rest will be easy."
"My dear girl," Rent said, with a hardening of his lips, "I couldn't do it. We must wait."
Kate Charlock shot one glance at him. Then she laid her head upon the table and burst into a flood of tears. The strategy was successful, for Rent jumped in agitation to his feet and slipped the bangle into his pocket.
"For Heaven's sake, don't cry," he said. "For your sake I will do anything. I had quite forgotten——"