"Not at all. I have no reason to doubt your financial stability, and as to the unkindness, when I distinctly state that I would not ask such a favor for myself, you will see that I am disposed to treat you as well as myself."
"It may be so," sneered Courtney, "but I presume you are not at present in need of a personal loan, and—circumstances alter cases, you know."
"If you mean that I shall at any future time ask favors for myself, which, I am not disposed to grant to you, you are mistaken," said the president.
"My financial position is as strong as yours," said Courtney rather irrelevantly.
"Very probably you are a richer man than I am, but as I said, that is not in question."
At this point a servant entered, and said to the president:
"Mr. Graves, there is a boy outside who says he wants to see you."
"What boy is it?"
"Grit Morris."
"Very well; you can bring him in."