“What do you think of the news from Washington to-day, Mr. Wolford?  Strange doings there!”

“Rather.”

“Our party were completely outgeneralled in that measure.”

“Yes.”

“Bad news from London.”

“Yes, bad enough.”

“It has played the mischief with stocks.”

“Thank fortune, I don’t deal in stocks.”

And thus Tompkins run on, and Wolford replied cold and sententiously for some ten minutes.  Then there came a pause, and the two men looked into each other’s faces for a short time, without either of them speaking.

“The year for which I loaned you ten thousand dollars expires next week,” said Wolford, in a quiet tone, breaking the silence.

“Does it?” returned Tompkins, affecting surprise.  “I had no idea the time was so near being up.  Are you sure?”

“I never make mistakes in such matters, Mr. Tompkins, and can’t understand how other people can.”

“Creditors are said to have better memories than debtors,” replied Tompkins, attempting something like pleasantry.

“Yes—­I know.  You will, of course, be prepared to take up the mortgage upon your property?”

“I am afraid not, Mr. Wolford.  Money is exceedingly tight.  But as your security is perfectly good, and you do not want the money, you will let the matter remain as it is for a little while longer?”

“I loaned you the money for a year, did I not?”

“Yes.”

“Very well.  The year will be up in a week.”

“I would like to borrow the same amount for another year.”

“I have no objection to your doing so, if you can find any one who will lend it.”

“Will you not do so?”

“No.  I have other use for my money.”

“I will increase the interest, if that will be any inducement.  Money in a good business like mine can bear a heavy interest.”

“I am not satisfied with the security.  Property is falling in value.”

“Not satisfied!’” exclaimed Tompkins, in unfeigned surprise.  “The property is worth double the sum you have advanced for my use.”

“I differ with you—­and I am not alone in differing.”

“Very well, Mr. Wolford,” said Tompkins, in a changed tone, that evinced roused and half-indignant feeling, “you shall be paid.  I can easily transfer the security to some other person, if I find it necessary to do so, and raise the amount due you.”

Wolford, phlegmatic as he was, seemed slightly moved by this unexpected change in the manner and position of Tompkins.  He narrowly observed the expression of his face, but did not reply.  He was afraid to trust himself to speak, lest he should betray his real thoughts.

“You will be prepared to pay me next week, then,” he at length said, rising.

“Yes, sir.  You shall have the money,” replied Tompkins.

“Good day.”  And Wolford retired; not altogether satisfied that he had gained all he had hoped to gain by the visit.