“I believe it is usual.”
“Are you sure that Muriel could manage him? He's pretty coltish and has never been halter-broke. He might rare up an' pull away an' run off with the money.”
“He loves her to distraction, he worships and adores her, and she is very, very fond of him.”
“You are far from your friends here,” I said. “Suppose you ask the count to call on me and talk it over. It may be that I could arrange easy terms. Possibly we could even get him on the instalment plan, with a small payment down.”
“I would not dare suggest it,” said Mrs. Fraley.
“Cable to your banker, and if the bonds are good he ought to be able to get the money for you.”
“I thought of that, but to save time I hoped that you would be willing to let me have it.”
“I wouldn't assist you to commit a folly which you are sure to regret,” I answered. “In my opinion he would be dear at ten dollars. It looks to me like taking over a liability instead of an asset.”
“We didn't ask for your opinion,” said Miss Muriel, as she blushed with indignation.
“My opinions are as easy to get as counts in Italy,” I said. “You don't have to ask for them. I give you one thing more—my best wishes. Good-by!”