"But it is important for me to have the money to-day," pleaded Sam. "Don't you think he would do it if I told him that?"
Budd shook his head.
"It wouldn't be a good plan to ask him," he said. "He would conclude that you were living beyond your means, and that he doesn't like."
"Couldn't you lend me the money?" asked Sam.
"I told you yesterday I couldn't, that is, I am not willing to. I don't approve of the way you spend your money."
"It's only for this time," said Sam. "I'll never ask you again."
"I may as well be frank with you," said the young man. "If you were economical, and were short o money from sickness, or any other cause which you could not control, I would say 'Yes'; but while you complain of your salary as insufficient, you play billiards, and spend the evening at the theater; and these things I don't approve. I didn't do that when I was in your position. How do I know but you want your money in advance to spend in the same way?"
"I don't," said Sam.
"What do you want of it, then?"
"The fact is," said Sam, "it's to get something out of the pawnbroker's."