At first she seemed not to have heard. Then, a wave of understanding swept over her, and she lifted her hand for silence.
"I have the money," she cried. "You shall all be paid in full."
The crowd moved back, abashed. A silence, the hush of tense anticipation, fell on them.
"Every dollar will be repaid," she assured them. "I promise it."
Her voice, though softly modulated, had a penetrating quality which carried it to the hearing of those in the office. Someone opened the door and she entered. The crowd, evidently scenting some new deceit swarmed in after her.
"What assurance have we that we're going to get the money?" one of them demanded.
Even to her agitated mind it became evident that an antagonistic spirit animated the crowd. After their first surprise, they refused to extend unqualified credence to her words.
"You have my word," she said impressively. Then, as her eyes met the derisive smiles with which her promise was received, she discarded the discretion which otherwise she might have maintained. "I have inherited the money with which I shall pay you," she informed them. "I am the chief beneficiary under Mr. Whitmore's will. The fortune which comes to me shall go toward repaying you."
Her earnestness, the obvious honesty of her purpose, began to exert a favorable influence on the listeners. Despair had deadened the consideration to which she was entitled as a woman; hope now galvanized it into life. The crowd began to draw back sheepishly, as if ashamed of its inconsiderate conduct. Taking advantage of the favorable turn, Britz and Greig stepped forward.
"If you believe this lady, please leave the office and permit her to see the receiver," Britz appealed to the crowd's chivalry.