'Not to this girl. Make her lend it to you. Make up some story. Beg it or borrow it--and----' he laid his hand upon her shoulder, but she made no movement in reply; he stooped and kissed her head, but she did not look up. 'Zoe--I swear--if you will do this for me, our long and weary waiting shall be at an end. I will acknowledge everything. I will give up this extravagant life: we will settle down like a couple of honest bourgeois: we will live over the shop if you like--that is, the publishing office of the paper.' He took her hand and raised it to his lips, but she made no response. 'Would she ever get the money back again?' 'Perhaps. How can I tell?' 'Even for the bribe you offer, Alec, I am afraid I cannot do it.' 'We will try together. We will lay ourselves out to attract the girl, to win her confidence. Consider. She is alone. She is in our hands----' 'Yes, yes. But you do not know her. Alec, if I cannot succeed, what will you do?' 'I must look out for some girl with money and get engaged to her. The mere fact of an engagement would be enough for me.' 'Yes,' she said quickly, 'it would have to be. Will you get engaged to--to Philippa?' 'No; Philippa will only have money at the death of her father and mother--not before. Philippa is out of the question.' 'Is there nobody among all your fine friends who will lend you the money?' 'No one. We do not lend money to each other. We go on as if there were no money difficulties in the world, as well as no diseases, no old age, no dying. We do not speak of money.' 'Friendship in society has its limits. Yes; I see. But can't you borrow it in the usual way of business people?' 'I should have to show books and enter into unpleasant explanations. You see, Zoe, the paper has got a very good name, but rather a small circulation. Everybody sees it, but very few buy it.' 'And so you heard of Armorel, and you thought that here was a chance. You say to me, in plain words: "If you get this money, there shall be an end of the false position." Is that so?' 'That is exactly what I do say and swear, Zoe. It is a very simple thing. You have only to persuade the girl to lend you this money, or to advance it, or to invest it by your agency--or something--a very simple and easy thing. You love me well enough to do me such a simple service.' 'I love you well enough, I suppose,' she replied sadly, 'to do everything you tell me to do. A simple service! Only to deceive and plunder this girl, who believes us all to be honourable and truthful!' 'Oh, we shall find a way--some way--to pay her back. Don't be afraid. And don't go off into platitudes, Zoe--you are much too pretty--and when it is done, and you are openly, before the world----'