"I borrowed," said Gerald, rather hoarsely. "You can wait; the other fellow won't. Then, of course, if I renewed the margin, the shares might recover and put me straight."
Thorn pondered. Gerald's statement was plausible, but he doubted if he had told him all.
"Two thousand pounds is a large sum," he said. "I don't know yet if I can lend it you."
Gerald gave him a steady look. His face was haggard and the sweat ran down his forehead. It was obvious that he was desperate.
"If you hope to marry my sister, you had better help me out."
"I haven't much ground for thinking your sister will agree," Thorn rejoined with some dryness. "Anyhow, it's doubtful if your influence would go far with her, if that is what you mean."
"It is not what I mean," Gerald answered in a hoarse voice. "I have given you a useful hint. You can spare two thousand pounds, and if you let me have the money, you'll be glad you did."
"I must think about it. You can call me up on the telephone at noon to-morrow."
Gerald hesitated, and then made an abrupt movement as a man came into the room. The latter crossed the floor and Gerald got up.
"Very well," he said, and went off.