The appeal was rejected, and, despairing of help, she offered and sold to him the last remaining article of furniture.

Here now is the picture.

He could not lend or give her a paltry pittance; and why, forsooth?
Because the money would not yield him a profit, and there was a chance of his losing it.

But the moment she offered to dispose of the bed, he purchased it, for in it did the profit of the speculator lie hidden, and on it could he get his money doubled.

Think not, gentlemen, that the tale you have listened to from him is the true one.