"It doesn't take very long to lend ten thousand dollars!" she said.

"But that's what I always tell you.
You have about made me sick by singing the praises of those wonderful partners of yours, and here you ask a favor of one of them and he tells you to sell your securities! And you know, and he knows, they're worth next to nothing." "You don't understand, dear"-- began Barker.
"I understand that you've given your word to poor Harry," said Mrs.Barker in pretty indignation, "who's responsible for the Ditch purchase." "And I shall keep it.

I always do," said Barker very quietly, but with that same singular expression of face that had puzzled Stacy.

But Mrs.Barker, who, perhaps, knew her husband better, said in an altered voice:-- "But HOW can you, dear ?" "If I'm short a thousand or two I'll ask your father." Mrs.Barker was silent.

"Father's so very much harried now, George.