'Yes, yes. But you do not know her. Alec, if I cannot succeed, what will you do?'
'I must look out for some girl with money and get engaged to her. The mere fact of an engagement would be enough for me.'
'Yes,' she said quickly, 'it would have to be. Will you get engaged to—to Philippa?'
'No; Philippa will only have money at the death of her father and mother—not before. Philippa is out of the question.'
'Is there nobody among all your fine friends who will lend you the money?'
'No one. We do not lend money to each other. We go on as if there were no money difficulties in the world, as well as no diseases, no old age, no dying. We do not speak of money.'
'Friendship in society has its limits. Yes; I see. But can't you borrow it in the usual way of business people?'
'I should have to show books and enter into unpleasant explanations. You see, Zoe, the paper has got a very good name, but rather a small circulation. Everybody sees it, but very few buy it.'
'And so you heard of Armorel, and you thought that here was a chance. You say to me, in plain words: "If you get this money, there shall be an end of the false position." Is that so?'
'That is exactly what I do say and swear, Zoe. It is a very simple thing. You have only to persuade the girl to lend you this money, or to advance it, or to invest it by your agency—or something—a very simple and easy thing. You love me well enough to do me such a simple service.'