"So serious that they are insurmountable, as far as I can see at present," was the response.
"Then you fear executions—arrest—prison—and all the usual ordeal of an insolvent debtor?" asked the lady.
"Just so: and sooner than enter on that ordeal, I would commit suicide," rejoined Mr. Torrens.
"The alternative I have to propose to you is not quite so serious nor alarming as that," resumed Mrs. Slingsby. "I have shown you that I can put myself in possession of two thousand pounds to-morrow morning: will that sum relieve you completely from your difficulties?"
"And enable me to carry out those speculations which must produce a large fortune," answered Torrens.
"Then those two thousand pounds are at your disposal, on one condition," said Mrs. Slingsby.
"And that condition?" gasped Mr. Torrens, in mingled joy and suspense.
"Is that you marry me," returned Mrs. Slingsby, as calmly as if she were making a bargain of a very ordinary nature.
"Marry you!" exclaimed her companion, quite unprepared for this proposal.
"Yes—marry me," repeated the widow. "You want money to save you from ruin—I want a husband to screen me from disgrace. You are involved in pecuniary troubles—I am in a way to become a mother. I can save your person from a gaol—you can save my character from dishonour."