"It is an important matter, and I have no evidence but your word."
"In this matter your interests and mine might clash."
"Then let me tell you that you are getting more than your share—that is, when I have paid you the hundred dollars. The fact is, your father left a very small estate. After paying his funeral expenses and debts there was scarcely anything over, and off that little you have already had your share. Still I understand your position and sympathize with you in your poverty, and therefore I am willing to strain a point and give you a hundred dollars."
If Mr. Talbot expected his sister-in-law to look grateful he was doomed to disappointment.
"A hundred dollars," he continued, "is a good deal of money, especially in your circumstances. I am sure Mark will agree with me in this."
"It is more than all the money we have," replied Mark.
"Precisely. It will make things easy for you for a year to come. By that time Mark will probably be earning higher pay than at present, and so your mind will be quite at ease."
"You are very considerate, Solon, but I think I would rather not sign."
"Why, this is midsummer madness. I am sure Mark will not advise you to refuse."