“To one with which,” said the proctor, “I unfortunately have no connection—I mean the class that can afford to lend it.”
“Purcel,” said Dr. Turbot, “I am sorry to hear this ungenerous observation from you; I did not expect it.”
“Why do you call it ungenerous, sir?” asked Purcel.
“Because,” replied Turbot, “it is obvious that it was made in anticipation of a favor which I was about to ask of you.”
“If I can grant you any favor,” replied the proctor, “I shall be most happy to do so;—if you will only let me know what it is.”
“You must be particularly dull not to perceive it,” replied the parson, “aware, as you are, of the unexpected state of my circumstances. In short, I want you to assist me with a few hundreds.”
The proctor, after a pause, replied, “You place me in circumstances of great difficulty, sir; I am indeed anxious to oblige you, but I know not whether I can do so with honor, without violating my good faith to another party.”
“I don't understand you,” said Turbot.
“Then I shall explain it,” replied Purcel; “the sum I can command is one of four hundred, which is at this moment virtually lent upon excellent security, at an interest of eight per cent. The loan is certainly not legally completed, but morally and in point of honor it is. Now, if I lend this money to you, sir, I must break my word and verbal agreement to the party in question.”
“Very well, sir,” replied the rector, who, notwithstanding the love he bore his “little luxuries,” was scrupulously honorable in all money transactions, “don't attempt to break word, or to violate good faith with any man; and least of all, on my account. I presume I shall be able to raise the money somewhere else.”