The mother shrank from deliberately degrading the nature of her own child.
The horrid question of the money followed.

On the thirty-first of the month, the promissory note would be presented for payment.

Where was the money to be found?
Some little time since, having the prospect of Minna's marriage on the thirtieth of December before her, she had boldly resolved on referring the holder of the note to Mr.Keller.Did it matter to her what the sordid old merchant said or thought, after Minna had become his son's wife?
She would coolly say to him, "The general body of the creditors harassed me.

I preferred having one creditor to deal with, who had no objection to grant me time.

His debt has fallen due; and I have no money to pay it.