"You have called for your two thousand pounds?" said the banker, after the usual interchange of civilities.
"Yes: I require that sum particularly this morning," replied the financier; "for I am pledged to pay fifteen thousand at twelve o'clock to Count Alteroni."
"This is very unfortunate," observed Tomlinson. "I am literally in this position—take the money, and I must stop payment the next moment."
"That is disagreeable, no doubt," said Greenwood; "but the count is urgent, and I cannot put him off."
"My God!" cried Tomlinson; "what can I do? Greenwood—my good friend—I know you are rich—I know you can raise any amount you choose: pray do not push me this morning."
"What am I to do, my dear fellow?" said the financier: "I must satisfy this count—and I really cannot manage without the two thousand. I could let you have them again in a fortnight."
"A fortnight!" ejaculated the banker, clenching his fists; "to-morrow it might be too late. Can you suggest no plan? can you devise no scheme? Let me keep these two thousand pounds for six weeks longer—a month longer; and ask me—ask me what you will! I am desperate—I will do any thing you bid me!"
"Tell me how I can satisfy this ravenous Italian," said Greenwood, "and I will let you keep the money for six months."
"You say you have to settle with this count for fifteen thousand pounds?" inquired the banker.
Greenwood nodded an affirmative.