 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 own concern in the affair,« said Arthur Gride. »That's
kind of you to ask. Oh dear, how very kind of you! Why, supposing I had a
knowledge of some property - some little property - very little - to which this
pretty chick was entitled; which nobody does or can know of at this time, but
which her husband could sweep into his pouch, if he knew as much as I do, would
that account for -«
    »For the whole proceeding,« rejoined Ralph, abruptly. »Now, let me turn this
matter over, and consider what I ought to have if I should help you to success.«
    »But don't be hard,« cried old Arthur, raising his hands with an imploring
gesture, and speaking in a
