"I wish he didn't hold the mortgage, Richard," said Mrs. Burton, looking up from her work.
"So do I, but why is it any the worse for him to hold it than for any one else?"
"Richard, you may think me foolish and fanciful, but I distrust that man. It is impressed upon my mind that he will some day do us harm."
"That is foolish and fanciful in good truth, Mamy. Now Wolverton seems to me a—well, not exactly an attractive man, but good natured and friendly. When I needed three thousand dollars last spring, on account of a poor crop and some extra expenses, he seemed not only willing, but really glad to lend it to me."
"He took a mortgage on the ranch," said Mary Burton dryly.
"Why, of course. He is a man of business, you know. You wouldn't expect him to lend the money without security, would you?"
"And you pay him a large interest?"
"Ten per cent."
"There isn't much friendship in lending money on good security at ten per cent., Richard."