The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 304: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE LORD AND THE MERCHANT 287 Viscount Rushbrook grew more and more embarrassed, con- fused, and annoyed. | “Well, about this little business of mine,” he said, at length mustering up his courage anew. ‘“‘ It’s only a couple of thousand pounds. I don’t exactly know when I can repay it, but of course I would give my bond, — and if you, my dear Sir Frederick, would put he in the way of raising it amongst any of your friends — “My lord,’ interrupted the merchant, with an almost chilling enity “IT have no money- Teaden amongst my friends nor acquaintances — for I never borrow.” “To be sure not!’ ejaculated the viscount, affecting to laugh, “‘ that would be too ridiculous. A firm that can lend millions to a foreign government to borrow at home! No, no, I didn’t mean that. But I was only thinking that per- haps you could put me in the way of raising this cursed little sum, for I cannot think of asking you for such a favour, alter all that you have at different times done for me — ”’ ‘“ Now listen, Lord Rushbrook,’’ interrupted Sir Frederick Latham, settling himself in a businesslike manner in his chair, and speaking with a dignified sententiousness. ‘‘ You want two thousand pounds, and, what is more, you want me to give you that money? ”’ “Give? Oh, no, no!” ejaculated the viscount. ‘‘ I mean lend — ”’ “Give, I repeat,’’ continued the merchant, with a slight emphasis on the word, for it was rather his look than his voice which rendered that word impressive when thus re- iterated. ‘ Well, my lord, you shall have this amount — ”’ “My dear Sir Frederick, ’~pon my soul, I hardly know how to express myself. You’re a true brother-in-law.” “And you likewise,’ added Sir Frederick. “I told your sister so just now in the drawing-room. But I beg that you will listen to me, for it is absolutely necessary we should have some serious conversation.”’ “To be sure! This wine’s excellent,’’ exclaimed the vis- count. ‘I could sit and talk over it all night.” “ You will not think it amiss,’”’? resumed the merchant, whose lips for a moment expressed mingled contempt and disgust for the reckless dissipated flippancy of the viscount, “it I enter upon certain recapitulations.”’ “Do whatever you like, my dear Sir Fredétick, ”” ex- Gomichboo cS (E(@)