“I want restitution, dollar for dollar, of my lost money. I will waive interest, though I might justly claim it. But, were it all paid, interest and principal, the wrong would not be redressed. You cannot restore the bride who would have been mine but for your villainy.”
“How much time will you give me to pay this money?” asked the merchant, moodily.
“Ten days.”
“It is a short time.”
“It must suffice. Do you agree?”
“I must.”
“Bind yourself to that, and for ten days I leave you free.”
Satisfactory security was given that the engagement would be met, and Ralph Pendleton left the counting-room. But his countenance was scarcely more cheerful than that of the man he had conquered.
“I am rich,” he said to himself; “but of what avail is it? Whom can I benefit with my wealth?”
This thought had scarcely crossed his mind when he came face to face with Herbert, walking with a sad and downcast face in the opposite direction.