"Don't believe what's true?" "That when anyone is by himself and talking aloud, he is holding a conversation with--there I won't say whom." "Pish!" ejaculated Barclay angrily. "There, sit down, woman, and make an entry about Lady Drelincourt's diamonds and the money I've lent on them. Set 'em down in the jewel book and then lock them up in the case. It wouldn't do to lose them." "Like her sister's were lost," said Mrs Barclay. "I wonder what became of them, Jo-si-ah." She opened the case, examined the jewels, and then opened a cabinet and an iron safe within, where she deposited the valuables, afterwards making an entry in a book kept for the purpose, and another in the big ledger. "That's done," she said with a sigh of content. "Why, Jo-si-ah, what a rich man you are getting." "Stuff! Don't talk nonsense." "I say, dear," she said, "I wonder how it is that Claire Denville hasn't been here for so long. It seems strange. Here's somebody else." The visitors proved to be Sir Harry Payne with Sir Matthew Bray, Mrs Barclay hurrying out to leave them with her husband. "Well, gentlemen?" said Barclay drily. "No, Barclay, it isn't well," cried Sir Harry, "nor will it be till I've got a couple of hundred pounds out of you." "And I one hundred," said Sir Matthew pompously. "My turn first," said Sir Harry, laughing. "Now, Barclay, two hundred, and no nonsense." Barclay shook his head, but his money was safe with Sir Harry, for he already held certain deeds that would cover principal and his large interest. "Now, Matt," said Sir Harry, "your turn." He thrust a sheaf of notes into his pocket laughingly, and Sir Matthew rolled up. "Now, Mr Barclay," he said, taking his friend's seat, while that gentleman began inspecting china and bronzes, "I want only a hundred." "Which you can't have, Sir Matthew," said Barclay shortly. "You've got to the end of your tether, and I shall have to put you in my lawyer's hands." "What, just now, when I have only to go on to be a rich man?" "My dear Sir Matthew, for two years past I've supplied your wants, and you've been for ever dangling before my eyes the bait of a rich marriage, when you would pay me back. No more money, sir, from me." "Barclay, my dear fellow, don't be a fool." "I've just told you that I do not mean to be," said Barclay shortly. "No hundred from me, Sir Matthew." "What, not if the matter were settled, and it was a case of post-horses, Dover, Continent, and a wedding abroad?" "With some penniless girl," growled Barclay. "With a lady of property and title, sir. Hush! be quiet--On my soul, Barclay. It's all right and settled. A rich marriage." "Stuff, sir! If it were a rich marriage you would not need money." "Preliminary expenses, dear boy. I can't ask her to pay the postboys." Barclay looked at him keenly. "Is this a fact?" "Yes; to-night, sir. Honour bright. Don't spoil sport, Barclay."