It never occurred to me that Lilian would attempt to imitate the style of my wealthy friend, or to invite any of the acquaintances she had made there. She knew that I was a bank-teller, on a salary of two thousand dollars, and of course she could not think of competing with a millionaire. I went to the bank the next day, and Lilian went to Smith’s. While I was looking at the morning paper, Buckleton appeared. He did not seem to have the same suavity which had distinguished him at my house. On the contrary, he was rather stiff and decided in his manner. I told him it was quite impossible for me to pay the bill at present.
“Glasswood, I must be square about this business. Things were not exactly as I supposed, when I sold you those goods. I must have the money or security for the debt at once.”
I was mad. Some one had been talking to him about me, and he had listened to the foe rather than to me.
“You seem to be putting a different face upon the affair. Yesterday you were short; to-day you are afraid of losing the money,” I replied, coldly.
“I only want to know what you are going to do.”
“You told me to pay for the goods when it was convenient. If you had not said so, I should not have bought them.”
“Give me a mortgage on the furniture in your house, and I will wait any reasonable time.”
“I won’t do it!” I replied, angrily.
“Very well; we needn’t talk any more about it.”