"You say that you have a few acres of land left. I believe you have more; but let's take your own statement. Upon those few acres you can easily borrow the money I require." "And diminish my miserable income still more?" "Yes--or no, without further wrangling? You must be well aware that this sacrifice is necessary if the girl is worth having." "In the name of heaven, allude not to--to--to Miss---- to the young lady with whom you saw me ere now;--allude not to her in this disgraceful manner!" cried Markham; for when the lips of that horrible man framed a sentiment which bore reference to Isabella, it seemed to Richard as if a loathsome serpent was pouring its slimy venom upon a sweet and blooming flower. "Will you give me the money?" demanded the Resurrection Man. "I will give you two hundred pounds--I have no more--I can get no more--I will not raise any more upon my property." "Can't be done," returned the ruffian. "I will have the five hundred, or nothing." "It will take some days to procure the money," said Markham, yielding gradually. "Never mind. Give me what you have about you for my present purposes, and name the day and place for me to receive the rest." Markham took his purse from his pocket, and examined its contents. There were seventeen sovereigns at that moment at his command. He retained two, and handed fifteen to the Resurrection Man, who pocketed them with savage glee. "Now this looks like business," said he, "and is an earnest that you will do the thing that's right. Where and when for the remainder?" "In a fortnight I will meet you at any place you may name in London," answered Markham. "Well, make it a fortnight. Do you know the _Dark House_, in Brick Lane, Bethnal Green?" "What is it?" asked Richard, shuddering at the name. "A public-house. Any one will tell you where it is. This day fortnight I shall expect to find you there at eight o'clock in the evening. If I don't happen to be punctual, you can wait for me; and if I don't come that night, I shall the next. Remember how much depends upon your fulfilment of the contract." "I shall not fail," answered Richard, with a sinking of the heart which none can understand who have not been placed in a similar position. "And you, on your part, will adhere to your side of the agreement?" "Mute as a mouse," said the Resurrection Man; "and should I afterwards meet you by accident, I shall not know you. Farewell." With these words the Resurrection Man turned away, and pursued his course towards London. Markham followed him with his eyes until he turned an angle of the road and was no longer to be seen. Then only did Richard breathe freely. CHAPTER XLI. MR. GREENWOOD. About six o'clock in the evening--ten days after the incident which concluded the preceding chapter,--a handsome cabriolet drove up to the door of a house in Spring Gardens.