If that was his intention, it was frustrated by her drawing the hand
away. Then the father heaved a sigh, and said:
"Ah, my child, I am so thankful that you have returned to-day. You will
save us from ruin."
"_I_ save you from ruin!" said Mrs. Chiffield, in a hollow voice.
"That's a good joke!"
Mr. Whedell grinned a ghastly smile, as if he did not precisely see the
point of the jest. "Joke or no joke," said he, "I must look to you for
some money to put off the infernal creditors, who have begun to flock
into the house. There's the bell. Hang me, if it isn't another one! To
come to the point, then, I wish you would loan me, say two hundred
dollars. It is a small amount, but will stave them off a week or two."
"Two hundred dollars!" Mrs. Chiffield opened her fine eyes in amazement.
"That's all. Perhaps you have saved up the amount from your pin money?
Or, if you have been a little extravagant, and spent it all, why, then,
perhaps you can get it from Mr. Chiffield this morning?"
The daughter laughed bitterly again. "I tell you, father," said she,
"that this man is the meanest creature that walks OB two legs.
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