CHAPTER XLVII.
BY THE RIVER.
“You mentioned, Mr. Levi, in your note, that you were instructed, by some person who takes an interest in me, to open this business,” said Richard Arden, in a more conciliatory tone. “Will your instructions permit you to tell me who that person is?”
“No, no,” drawled Mr. Levi, with a slow shake of his head; “I declare to you sholemnly, Mr. Harden, I couldn't. I'm employed by a third party, and though I may make a tolerable near guess who's firsht fiddle in the bishness, I can't shay nothin'.”
“Surely you can say this—it is hardly a question, I am so sure of it—is the friend who lends this money a gentleman?”
“I think the pershon as makesh the advanshe is a bit of a shwell. There, now, that'sh enough.”
“But I said a gentleman,” persisted Arden.
“You mean to ask, hashn't a lady got nothing to do with it?”