see you are in trouble," he said in his kindest tone. "Why don't
you confide in me? As to the money, make your mind easy, you shall have
it; but girls like you don't as a rule borrow a large sum of money of
this kind. Do you want it for yourself?"

"No."

"You won't tell me who it is for?"

"I cannot, Mr. Harvey. Please don't ask me."

"I won't ask you anything that distresses you. As you are talking of
money, you will forgive me for saying that I am told that your mother is
left badly off."

"No; that's a mistake," said Effie. "She has money. My father left her
very well off for a man in his position. He insured his life for a
thousand pounds, and my mother had a little fortune of her own, which
brings in about sixty pounds a year."

"And you think your mother well off with that?" said the Squire in a
tone of almost amused pity.

"Yes, for a woman in her position," said Effie in almost a proud tone.
"Forgive me," she said; "I know that, after the request I have just
made, you would be justified in asking me any questions, but I would
rather not say any more about my mother. If you'll lend me the money--if
indeed you will be so good, so noble--when can I have it?"

"When do you want it?"

"I must have it before six weeks are up, but the sooner the better."

"You shall have it in a week. Come here this day week and I'll give you
a check for the amount."'

"A check!" said Effie; "but I would have to pass that through mother's
bank--and--and she might know."

"Are you really asking for this money without your mother's knowledge,
Miss Staunton?"

"Yes; my mother is not to know. Mr. Harvey, the object of our lives is
to keep all anxiety from our mother--she must never know."

"Forgive me," said the Squire, after a pause. "I know a great deal about
business, and you very little. Would it not be best to open an account
in your own name? I am told that you propose soon to go to London. I
would introduce you to my bankers there, who would be very glad to open
an account with you; and if at any time you should have need of
assistance, Miss Staunton, you would give me the privilege of helping
you. Remember, but for me and mine you would not now be fatherless. You
must see that you have a claim on me. Allow me to fulfill that claim in
the only possible way in my power."

"You are good, you are more than good," said Effie, rising. "But this is
all I really need. I'll pay you the interest on the money every half
y