She did not relish having a free boarder, even if he were her own brother, and, besides, judged that they could drive a better bargain with him in that case.
“Oh, I didn’t expect to stay here very long,” said White. “But I can’t go without that hundred dollars.”
“Really, George, you can’t be aware how hard it is to raise money,” said his brother-in-law.
“Oh, yes, I can!” said George, smiling. “I find it deuced uphill work myself,” and he glanced knowingly at Mr. Brackett.
“I mean that I find it hard to raise it for you. You see, a hundred dollars is a large sum. If you’d be willing now to take twenty-five and the balance in installments—or, better still, when we come into our money—I think I could arrange it.”
“My dear brother-in-law,” said White, with a smile, “you do it well—very well, indeed. If I hadn’t been round the world a little, I dare say I should be taken in, and accept your statement for gospel.”
“I hope you don’t think my husband would deceive you, George,” said his sister, with dignity.
“Oh, of course not! Still, I find it is the general custom to look out for number one.”
“You always looked out for number one, George,” said his sister, bluntly.
“Yes I flatter myself I did; but to return to business. You seem to be at a loss to know where you can raise the hundred dollars, to which I am entitled for my services.”