“I believe your sole motive for inquiring,” said I, “was to have an opportunity of venting a foolish boast, and to let me know that you were in possession of fifty pounds.”
“What is the use of having money unless you let people know you have it?” said Mr. Petulengro. “It is not everyone can read faces, brother; and, unless you knew I had money, how could you ask me to lend you any?”
“I am not going to ask you to lend me any.”
“Then you may have it without asking; as I said before, I have fifty pounds, all lawfully-earnt money, got by fighting in the ring—I will lend you that, brother.”
“You are very kind,” said I; “but I will not take it.”
“Then the half of it?”
“Nor the half of it; but it is getting towards evening, I must go back to the Great City.”
“And what will you do in the Boro Foros?”
“I know not,” said I.
“Earn money?”