"I hope," said the old lady, sharply, "you don't expect me to pay your expenses out there."
"My dear aunt," said Ferdinand, hastily, "how can you suspect such a thing?"
"Then what do you propose to do?" asked the spinster, somewhat relieved.
"I wanted to ask your advice."
"Sell your ring. It's worth over six hundred dollars."
"Very true; but I should hardly like to part with it. I'll tell you what I have thought of. It cost six hundred and fifty dollars. I will give it as security to any one who will lend me five hundred dollars, with permission to sell it if I fail to pay up the note in six months. By the way, aunt, why can't you accommodate me in this matter? You will lose nothing, and I will pay handsome interest."
"How do you know I have the money?"
"I don't know; but I think you must have. But, although I am your nephew, I wouldn't think of asking you to lend me money without security. Business is business, so I say."
"Very true, Ferdinand."
"I ask nothing on the score of relationship, but I will make a business proposal."