Under such circumstances it was impossible for Wilkinson to appear otherwise than troubled.  To divine the cause of this trouble soon became the central purpose in the mind of his wife.  To all her questions on the subject, he gave evasive answers; still she gathered enough to satisfy her that every thing was not right in regard to his business.  Assuming this to be the case, she began to think over the ways and means of reducing their range of expenses, which were in the neighbourhood of fifteen hundred dollars per annum.  The result will appear.

CHAPTER X.

The morning of the day came on which Wilkinson had to make his last payment on account of the due-bills given to Carlton.  He had nothing in bank, and there were few borrowing resources not already used to the utmost limit.  At ten o’clock he went out to see what could be done in the way of effecting further temporary loans among business friends.  His success was not very great, for at twelve o’clock he returned with only two hundred dollars.  Carlton’s agent had called twice during the time, and came in a few minutes afterwards.

“You’re too soon for me,” said Wilkinson, with not a very cheerful or welcome expression of countenance.

“It’s past twelve,” returned the man.

“All the same if it were past three.  I haven’t the money.”

The collector’s brow lowered heavily.

“How soon will you have it?”

“Can’t tell,” replied Wilkinson, fretfully.

“That kind of answer don’t just suit me,” said the man, with some appearance of anger.  “I’ve been remarkable easy with you, and now”—­

“Easy!” sharply ejaculated Wilkinson.  “Yes; as the angler who plays his trout.  You’ve already received fifteen hundred dollars of the sum out of which I was swindled, and with that I should think both you and your principal might be content.  Go back to him, and say that he is about placing on the camel’s back the pound that may break it.”

“I have before told you,” was replied, “that Mr. Carlton has no longer any control in this matter.  It is I who hold your obligations; they have been endorsed to me, and for a valuable consideration; and be assured that I shall exact the whole bond.”

“If,” said Wilkinson, after some moments’ reflection, and speaking in a changed voice and with much deliberation, “if you will take my note of hand for the amount of your due-bills, at six months from to-day, I will give it; if not”—­

“Preposterous!” returned the man, interrupting him.

“If not,” continued Wilkinson, “you can fall back upon the law.  It has its delays and chances; and I am more than half inclined to the belief that I was a fool not to have left this matter for a legal decision in the beginning.  I should have gained time at least.”

“If you are so anxious to get into court, you can be gratified,” was answered.