Freeling was already there.

They met in external cordiality, but it was very evident from the manner of Mrs.Dinneford, that she felt herself in the man's power, and had learned to be afraid of him.
"It will be impossible to get through to-morrow," he said, in a kind of imperative voice, that was half a threat, "unless we have two thousand dollars." "I cannot ask Mr.Dinneford for anything more," Mrs.Dinneford replied; "we have already furnished ten thousand dollars beyond the original investment." "But it is all safe enough--that is, if we do not break down just here for lack of so small a sum." Mrs.Dinneford gave a start.
"Break down!" She repeated the words in a husky, voice, with a paling face.

"What do you mean ?" "Only that in consequence of having in store a large stock of unsalable goods bought by your indiscreet son-in-law, who knows no more about business than a child, we are in a temporary strait." "Why did you trust him to buy ?" asked Mrs.Dinneford.
"I didn't trust him.

He bought without consulting me," was replied, almost rudely.
"Will two thousand be the end of this thing ?" "I think so." "You only think so ?" "I am sure of it." "Very well; I will see what can be done.

But all this must have an end, Mr.Freeling.We cannot supply any more money.