'Well, Deb, dear, would it be convenient to you to—to lend me a couple of thousand pounds for a few weeks? I have hinted of this from time to time.'
'Two thousand pounds! Not only inconvenient, but impossible,' said she, twisting her rings about in nervous anger.
'Why, Deb?'
'I have not even a fifty-pound note in the house.'
'But plenty lying idle at your banker's.'
'Not the sum you seek to borrow just now. Borrow! Why not be candid, and ask for it out and out? Two thousand——'
'I must have the money, I tell you,' he said, with sudden temper, 'or—or——'
'What?'
'Be disgraced—that is all,' he replied, sullenly lighting his huge briar-root.
'Well, you must find it without my aid,' said she, coldly and sullenly too.