Her color rose faintly as she read.
"You must not regard the plainness of business phraseology," said the visitor, in dry, precise tones. "My client means no offence."
"Nor do I mean to take any," she replied, handing him back the note. "Pray how am I to prove my own identity?"
"It would not, I suppose, be very difficult; but, as it happens, I can be your witness. I quite well remember seeing you with Mr. Liddell, your late husband, some sixteen or seventeen years ago."
"Indeed! I am surprised that I do not recall you. I generally have a good memory, but—"
"I am not surprised. I was unhappily the bearer of an unpleasant message, which excited Mr. Liddell considerably, and your attention was absorbed by your efforts to calm him."
"I remember," said Mrs. Liddell, coloring deeply. "It was a trying time."
"We will consider this inquiry answered. As regards the loan"—the door opening to admit Katherine interrupted him; he rose and bowed formally when her mother named her; then he resumed his sentence—"as regards the loan, I must first know the amount it is proposed to borrow, in order to judge of the security offered."
"I asked my uncle for thirty pounds, but I should be very glad if he would lend us forty."
"No, Katie; I dare not take so much," interrupted her mother. "Remember, it must be repaid; and," addressing the lawyer, she added, "the only security I have to offer is the furniture of this house—furniture of the simplest, as you will see."