“It does not signify. I am here”—there was no glimmer of light on the round red countenance to suggest an ulterior meaning—“I am here on a matter of business, in my capacity as acting president of the Drovers’ Bank in Mr. Warrington’s absence. As such, I have to inform you that we stand ready to make you a loan on favorable terms upon the security of The Guardian.”
“Wh-wh-why?” stammered Jeremy, taken wholly aback. “Do you consider the paper a sound risk now?”
“Sufficiently sound.”
“Up to what amount?”
“Any amount you need.”
Jeremy stared at him, unbelieving.
“No security I can furnish now is as good as that which you rejected before.”
“That may very well be true.”
“Yet your offer is still open?”
“It is.”