"Let me say a word first before you decide to go.

All I told you last night about myself is true, with one exception.

I have money, and profitable work in view--see!" and I held before her the two bills.
She gazed at them with wide-open eyes, half convinced of some legerdemain.
"A thousand dollars," she exclaimed bewildered.

"_You_! why, what does it all mean ?" "Yes, and nine thousand more promised, when I complete work that ought not to require to exceed two months.

I was not without money in the restaurant, only I could not ask the cashier to change so large a bill.
Sit down again, please, and let me tell you the story." She did so, almost reluctantly, as though doubting my sanity, but I could note a change in the expression of her face as I proceeded.