to talk that way,' returned old Arthur, with a
chuckle, 'whether there's anybody to hear us or not. Practice makes
perfect, you know. Now, if I offer myself to Bray as his son-in-law,
upon one simple condition that the moment I am fast married he shall be
quietly released, and have an allowance to live just t'other side the
water like a gentleman (he can't live long, for I have asked his
doctor, and he declares that his complaint is one of the Heart and it
is impossible), and if all the advantages of this condition are properly
stated and dwelt upon to him, do you think he could resist me? And if
he could not resist ME, do you think his daughter could resist HIM?
Shouldn't I have her Mrs Arthur Gride--pretty Mrs Arthur Gride--a
tit-bit--a dainty chick--shouldn't I have her Mrs Arthur Gride in a
week, a month, a day--any time I chose to name?'

'Go on,' said Ralph, nodding his head deliberately, and speaking in
a tone whose studied coldness presented a strange contrast to the
rapturous squeak to which his friend had gradually mounted. 'Go on. You
didn't come here to ask me that.'

'Oh dear, how you talk!' cried old Arthur, edging himself closer still
to Ralph. 'Of course I didn't, I don't pretend I did! I came to ask what
you would take from me, if I prospered with the father, for this debt of
yours. Five shillings in the pound, six and-eightpence, ten shillings? I
WOULD go as far as ten for such a friend as you, we have always been on
such good terms, but you won't be so hard upon me as that, I know. Now,
will you?'

'There's something more to be told,' said Ralph, as stony and immovable
as ever.

'Yes, yes, there is, but you won't give me time,' returned Arthur Gride.
'I want a backer in this matter; one who can talk, and urge, and press a
point, which you can do as no man can. I can't do that, for I am a poor,
timid, nervous creature. Now, if you get a good composition for this
debt, which you long ago gave up for lost, you'll stand my friend, and
help me. Won't you?'

'There's something more,' said Ralph.

'No, no, indeed,' cried Arthur Gride.

'Yes, yes, indeed. I tell you yes,' said Ralph.

'Oh!' returned old Arthur feigning to be suddenly enlightened. 'You mean
something more, as concerns myself and my intention. Ay, surely, surely.
Shall I mention that?'

'I think you had better,' rejoined Ralph, drily.

'I didn't like to trouble you with that, because I supposed your
interest would cease with your o