"Yes," nodded Barnabas, "on a condition."
Ronald Barrymaine sank back upon the couch, staring at Barnabas with eyes wide and with parted lips; then, leaned suddenly forward, sobered by surprise.
"Ah-h!" said he slowly. "I think I begin to understand. You have seen my—my sister."
"Yes."
"Do you know—how much I owe?"
"No, but I'll pay it,—on a condition."
"A condition?" For a long moment the passionate dark eyes met and questioned the steady gray; then Barrymaine's long lashes fluttered and fell.
"Of course it would be a loan. I—I'd pay you back," he muttered.
"At your own convenience."
"And you would advance the money at once?"