Algernon burst into a peal of genuine laughter. "Why, yes," said he, wiping his eyes, "I hope so!" Old Max did not move a muscle of his face. "What was the sum you named?" he asked, solemnly. "Oh, I don't know--twenty or thirty pounds would do. Something just to keep me going until my mother's next quarter's money comes in." "I will lend you twenty pounds, Algernon, for which you will write me an acknowledgment." "Certainly!" "Being under age, your receipt is valueless in law. But I wish to have it as between you and me." "Of course; as between you and me." Maxfield unlocked a strong-box let into the wall. Algernon--who had often gazed at the outside of it rather wistfully--peeped into it with some eagerness when it was opened; but its contents were chiefly papers and a huge ledger. There was, however, in one corner a well-stuffed black leather pocket-book, from which old Max slowly extracted a crisp, fresh Bank of England note for twenty pounds. "I'm sure I'm ever so much obliged to you, Mr. Maxfield," said Algernon, taking the note. He spoke without any over-eagerness, but the gleam of boyish delight in his eyes would not be suppressed. "And now come into the parlour with me, and write the acknowledgment." "I say, Mr. Maxfield," said Algernon, when the receipt had been duly written and signed, "you won't say anything to my mother about this?" "Do you mean to keep it a secret?" asked the old man, sharply. "Oh, of course I don't mind all the world knowing, as far as I'm concerned. But the dear old lady might worry herself at not being able to do more for me. Let it be just simply as between you and me," said Algernon, repeating Maxfield's words, but, truth to say, without attaching any very definite meaning to them. The old man pursed up his mouth and nodded. "Aye, aye," he said, "as between you and me, Algernon; as between you and me." * * * * * "Upon my word, that formula of old Max's seems to be a kind of open sesame to purses and strong-boxes and cheque-books! 'As between you and me.' I wonder if it would answer with Lord Seely? Who'd have thought of old Max doing the handsome thing? Well, it's all right enough. I do mean to stick to little Rhoda, especially since her father seems to hint his approbation so very plainly. But it wouldn't do to bind myself just now--for her sake, poor little pet! 'As between you and me!' What a character the old fellow is! I wish he'd made it fifty while he was about it!" Such was Algernon's mental soliloquy as he walked jauntily down the street, with his hand in his pocket, and the crisp bank-note between his finger and thumb. CHAPTER XIV.