I'm in earnest.

It seems to me that you might do quite well at dressmaking here in town, if you had a little--well, ready money to help you at the start.

I've got a few hundred dollars in the bank, presents from uncle, and my father's insurance money.

I should love to lend it to you, and I know uncle would--" Mrs.Coffin interrupted her.
"Cat's foot!" she exclaimed.

"I hope I haven't got where I need to borrow money yet a while.