“Well, suppose I do?”
Mr. Levi shook his head slowly, and all his white teeth showed dimly, as he answered with an unctuous significance that tempted Arden strongly to pitch him into the river.
“We puts the ladiesh first; ladiesh and shentlemen, that's the way it goes at the theaytre; if a good-looking chap's a bit in a fix, there'sh no one like a lady to pull him through.”
“I really want to know,” said Richard Arden, with difficulty restraining his fury. “I have some relations who are likely enough to give me a lift of this kind; some are ladies, and some gentlemen, and I have a right to know to whom I owe this money.”
“To our firm; who elshe? We have took your paper, and you have our cheques on Childs'.”
“Your firm lend money at five per cent.!” said Arden with contempt. “You forget, Mr. Levi, you mentioned in your note, distinctly, that you act for another person. Who is that principal for whom you act?”
“I don't know.”
“Come, Mr. Levi! you are no simpleton; you may as well tell me—no one shall be a bit the wiser—for I will know.”
“Azh I'm a shinner—as I hope to be shaved——” began Mr. Levi.
“It won't do—you may just as well tell me—out with it!”