"I don't believe the ring would fetch over six hundred dollars."
"It would bring just about that. The other fifty dollars represent the profit. Now, aunt, I'll make you a regular business proposal. If you'll lend me five hundred dollars, I'll give you my note for five hundred and fifty, bearing interest at six per cent., payable in six months, or, to make all sure, say in a year. I place the ring in your hands, with leave to sell it at the end of that time if I fail to carry out my agreement. But I sha'n't if I keep my health."
The old lady was attracted by the idea of making a bonus of fifty dollars, but she was cautious, and averse to parting with her money.
"I don't know what to say, Ferdinand," she replied. "Five hundred dollars is a good deal of money."
"So it is, aunt. Well, I don't know but I can offer you a little better terms. Give me four hundred and seventy-five, and I'll give you a note for five hundred and fifty. You can't make as much interest anywhere else."
"I'd like to accommodate you," said the old lady, hesitating, for, like most avaricious persons, she was captivated by the prospect of making extra-legal interest.
"I know you would. Aunt Deborah, but I don't want to ask the money as a favor. It is a strictly business transaction."
"I am afraid I couldn't spare more than four hundred and fifty."
"Very well, I won't dispute about the extra twenty-five dollars. Considering how much income I'm going to get, it isn't of any great importance."
"And you'll give me a note for five hundred and fifty?"