"Well, Joshua?"
"I know of a way to make considerable money, and all I need to go into it is five dollars. If you'll lend me that, I'll pay it back to you as soon as I can. I think it won't be more than a fortnight."
"What is the plan you are thinking of, Joshua?"
But upon this subject Joshua thought it best to preserve a discreet silence. He knew that the lottery scheme would not impress his mother favorably, and that she would not lend the money for any such purpose. He was aware in what light lotteries are generally regarded. Still his imagination had been inflamed by the stories he had read of other persons' luck, and he had succeeded in convincing himself that his own chance would be very good. Thus he referred to it, in speaking to his mother, as if he were sure of obtaining a large amount for his investment.
"I can't tell you just at present, mother," he said; "the fact is, somebody else is concerned in it, and I am not allowed to tell."
"I hope, Joshua, you have not allowed yourself to be imposed upon. You know you are not used to business."
"I know what I'm about, mother. I'm not a baby. All I want is the money. Can you lend me five dollars?"
"I wish I could; but you know your father doesn't allow me much money. I get my dress patterns and most of what I want out of the store, so I don't need it."
"You have to buy things for the house,—groceries, and so on."
"We have a bill at the grocery store. Your father pays it quarterly; so no money passes through my hands for that purpose."