Wolford did not want the money he had loaned to Mr. Tompkins—­that is, he had no use for it.  But he could never rest contented for any length of time under the reflection that another person was enjoying his money.  He took an insane delight, too, in making others feel his power.  If Mr. Tompkins had obtained the amount, and tendered it to Wolford, two weeks before it was due, the miser would have, in all probability, solicited him to keep it on even better terms than at first obtained; but to appear anxious about the matter, was to foreclose all chances of a renewal.

CHAPTER III.

After Wolford had left the store of Mr. Tompkins, the merchant tried to rally his thoughts, and review the whole matter calmly.  Thinking, however, did not make him feel much better.  He could not see his way clear.  If the loan were not paid off, his property would, he had not the least doubt, be sold forthwith, under the mortgage.

“I was a fool ever to build such a house, and involve myself as I have done,” he murmured, fretfully.  “I wish to my heart it was in the bottom of the sea.  Between my wife’s extravagance and this accursed usurer, I shall be ruined at last.”

This was uttered almost involuntarily, but it had the effect to give his thoughts a new direction.  After thinking intensely for some time, he took a long inspiration, compressed his lips tightly as he breathed out again, and then said, half aloud, and in a tone of decision—­

“I will not suffer myself to be made a fool of any longer, by wife or usurer.  Mrs. John Tompkins will have to lay aside a portion of her dignity, or get some other means of supporting it.  I am called a man, and I will be a man.”

On the evening of that day, while seated at the tea-table, Mrs. Tompkins said—­

“Have you ever noticed, dear, the beautiful equipage of Mrs. Van D——?”

“The what?”

“The beautiful establishment of Mrs. Van D——?”

“What kind of an establishment?”

The manner of her husband disturbed the self-satisfaction of Mrs.
Tompkins.  Her reply was not in so bland a voice.

“Her carriage and pair, I mean, of course.”

“No; I never notice such things.”

“You don’t, indeed!”

“No.”

“Don’t you ever expect to keep a carriage?”

“I do not.”

“I am sure you will.”

“You labour under a mistake, Ellen.  I have no such intention.”

“If I wish for one, I am sure you will gratify me.”  Mrs. Tompkins spoke softly and smiled.

“No—­not even to gratify you, Ellen.”  Mr. Tompkins spoke seriously, and his brow contracted.

“You built this beautiful house to gratify me.”

“True—­and by doing so have set myself half crazy.”

“Mr. Tompkins, I don’t understand you.  You are in a strange mood this evening.”