Was it not pride that prevented her from accepting his offer?
Did she not feel too proud to place herself under obligations to the servant?
She felt rebuked at her presumption; for what right had she to make such distinctions?
If she had been a lady, like Mrs.Gordon, she might have been excusable for cherishing such pride; but she was a poor girl; she was actually in want.
"Michael, you are so good, that I will tell you my story," said she, conquering her repugnance.
"Just come in the house, then;" and he led her into the sitting-room; being, in the absence of the mistress, the lord and master of the mansion, and feeling quite at home in that position.
In a few words she explained to him her situation, though her rebellious pride caused her to paint the picture in somewhat brighter colors than the truth would justify.

She stated her intention to borrow twenty dollars of Mrs.Gordon, and offer her the watch as security, at the same time exhibiting the cherished treasure.
"Now Michael, if you will lend me three dollars till Mrs.Gordon returns, I will pay you then, for I know she will let me have the money; or at least let me have enough to pay you," continued she, when she had finished her narrative.
"Indeed I will, Katy!" exclaimed he, promptly pulling out his wallet.
"And if you will come at this time to-morrow, you shall have the whole twenty dollars." "Thank you, Michael." "There's six dollars; take it, Katy, and my blessing with it." "Only three dollars, Michael," replied Katy, firmly.
Michael insisted, but all his persuasion would not induce her to accept more than the sum she had mentioned, and he was reluctantly compelled to yield the point.
"Here is the watch, Michael; you shall keep that till I pay you." "Is it me!" exclaimed he, springing to his feet, with an expression very like indignation on his countenance.

"Sure, you don't think I'd take the watch." "Why not you as well as Mrs.Gordon ?" asked Katy.
"She didn't take it," replied Michael triumphantly.

"You couldn't make her take it, if you try a month.

Don't I know Mrs.Gordon ?" "But please to take it; I should feel much better if you would." "Bad luck to me if I do! I wouldn't take it to save my neck from the gallows.