"If you'll only keep still for a moment I'll tell you what it is, and then you'll see for yourself it's an absolute cert. I'll turn the thou. into fifty in less than no time. I can't help doing it!--you see!--and then I'll give you half."
"You'll give me half! Then am I to understand that you won't go unless I give you a thousand pounds?"
"I couldn't do it on less--the system I mean. I've worked out all the details and I really couldn't. I'll show you if you like. It's want of capital that wrecks a man in a thing like this. If you haven't got the proper amount--the lowest possible amount that's absolutely necessary--you might as well throw your money into the sea."
"Then you'll never go at all, because I haven't a thousand pounds to give you."
"What do you mean?"
"It's simple. I don't think I've fifty pounds at my bankers, and I'm pretty sure that they won't honour my cheque if I overdraw."
"Isabel!"
"You owe money, don't you?"
"I daresay I owe a bit here and there."
"So I've been given to understand. I also owe a bit. And my creditors, like yours, won't wait."