"Will, I wish you'd tell me—I can't bear suspense."
"Then here's the first question. If satisfied of the security, would you lend out the money on mortgage with a person who has the chance of setting up himself in an old-established business?"
"What business?"
"I'll tell you in a minute. Take the person first. You haven't asked about him. In a sense, his character—honesty and straight ways—is a part of the security. He is somebody you've known for a many years."
"Who is it?"
"Myself."
"Will? What on earth do you mean?"
"Mavis, it's like this—There, bide a bit."
They had been sitting in the dusk after their high tea; and now Mary brought a lighted lamp into the room, and put it on the table between them.
"All right, my girl. Never mind clearing away till I call for you."