"You must not regard the plainness of business phraseology," said the visitor, in dry, precise tones. "My client means no offence."
"Nor do I mean to take any," she replied, handing him back the note. "Pray how am I to prove my own identity?"
"It would not, I suppose, be very difficult; but, as it happens, _I_ can be your witness. I quite well remember seeing you with Mr. Liddell, your late husband, some sixteen or seventeen years ago."
"Indeed! I am surprised that I do not recall you. I generally have a good memory, but--"
"_I_ am not surprised. I was unhappily the bearer of an unpleasant message, which excited Mr. Liddell considerably, and your attention was absorbed by your efforts to calm him."
"I remember," said Mrs. Liddell, coloring deeply. "It was a trying time."
"We will consider this inquiry answered. As regards the loan"--the door opening to admit Katherine interrupted him; he rose and bowed formally when her mother named her; then he resumed his sentence--"as regards the loan, I must first know the amount it is proposed to borrow, in order to judge of the security offered."
"I asked my uncle for thirty pounds, but I should be very glad if he would lend us forty."
"No, Katie; I dare not take so much," interrupted her mother. "Remember, it must be repaid; and," addressing the lawyer, she added, "the only security I have to offer is the furniture of this house--furniture of the simplest, as you will see."
"Have you seen Mr. Liddell?" asked Mr. Newton, a slight expression of surprise passing over his face.
"Yes; I ventured to visit him, because"--she hesitated, and then went on, frankly--"because we wanted this money very much indeed; and I found him in a sad condition." Katherine went on to describe the scene of yesterday, dwelling on the desolate position of the old man. "I felt frightened to leave him alone; he seems weak, and unfit to take care of himself. I hope, Mr. Newton, you will go to him and induce him to have a proper servant. I am going, because I promised in any case to go; and I must give the little servant's mother the half-crown I promised her."
"I have been somewhat uneasy respecting Mr. Liddell. For a considerable time I had my doubts of his cook housekeeper; but he is a man of strong will and peculiar views. Then the fear of parting with money increases with increasing years. I am glad Miss Liddell succeeded in making herself known to him; he is a peculiar character--very peculiar." He paused a moment, looking keenly at Katherine, and added: "With a view to arranging for the loan you require, I must ask to look at your rooms. I do not suppose I am a judge of such things, but the knowledge of former transactions, my recollection of our last interview, determines me to come myself rather than to send an ordinary employee."