“Since my arrival in London,” I replied.
“A marvellous short time to ripen friendship to such full maturity! And what event might have called forth that storm of sobs and kisses which I so unluckily interrupted?”
A contemptuous sneer accompanied the inquiry that stung my pride, and I answered warmly, that “I considered that he had neither authority nor interest to pry into matters with which he was wholly unconcerned.”
“No right, certainly,” he observed, “excepting that which former services may be fairly supposed to warrant.”
“Mr. Hartley,” I replied, “I freely admit that I am indebted to you for hospitality, and also for deliverance from a disagreeable, and possibly a dangerous restraint; but surely one who rigidly interdicts inquiry into aught connected with himself, should also respect the secrets of another.”
“I acknowledge the justice of your remark,” said my quondam host; “and the noble demoiselle, who hangs upon the neck of the acquaintance of a fortnight, discharging volleys of sighs, ‘hot as a furnace,’ shall remain incognita. You own yourself indebted to me for former obligations; you have now a power of returning them; and I come here to ask a favour.”
“It is granted, sir,” I replied, warmly, “even before ‘tis known.”
“Stop, stop,” he returned; “it is a request that is too frequently refused.”
“Name it, sir.”
“It is the loan of money I solicit. The period brief; the repayment certain.”