"But if the iron people want it, why don't they get a private party to buy it in for them?" returned Mrs. Talbot.
"Oh, you women don't understand these things," answered James Talbot loftily. "Millet has the bargain clinched--if only we can raise the money."
"And how much will he raise?"
"Twelve thousand dollars. He wants me to put in the other thirteen thousand. My dear, you will lend me that amount, won't you? It would be a crime to let such a chance slip by."
"Don't you know that thirteen is an unlucky number?" said the lady slowly.
"Surely, Sarah, you are not as superstitious as all that. If you are, I'll get Millet to put up even with me--twelve thousand and five hundred each. But I would rather have the balance of the say in the matter."
"I am not superstitious, James, but--but----"
"But what? The money will be perfectly safe."
"I--I think I had better have a lawyer look into the deal first. There may be some flaw in the title to the property."
"No, that is all right--Millet had it examined. There is no time to spare, as the deal must be closed by noon to-morrow, or our option comes to an end."