Gentlemen of his description are not conspicuous for their pity, nor, as a rule, will they disgorge unless considerable pressure of an unpleasant description is brought to bear upon them." "Then that pressure must be brought to bear," she said, "and if I may say so, you are the only one who can do it.

That is why I have called upon you this morning.

I have come to plead with you, to implore you, if necessary, to take the matter up.

I am not very rich, but I would willingly give all I have in the world to help them." "In that case you are one niece in a thousand, Miss Kitwater," I said, with a smile.

"Your uncle is indeed fortunate in having such a champion." She looked at me as if she were not quite certain whether I was joking or not.
"You will do this for them ?" What was I to say?
What could I say?
I had well nigh decided to have nothing to do with the matter, yet here I was, beginning to think it was hard upon me to have to disappoint her.