Mr. Loveday made no comment on the interruption, but proceeded. "The consequence is that he has been unable to send his wife the smallest remittance. Until to-day this has been of no importance, as I was in a position to discharge the obligation I took upon myself when I received her into my home. Your son's affairs abroad became so desperate (and, in one vague sense, possibly compromising) that it was decided yesterday between my niece and myself to send him money to bring him home, in order that he might make another effort here to obtain a livelihood. I am speaking quite plainly, sir, and without ornament of any kind, and you will see to what straits your son is reduced." "He is justly served," said Mr. Manners. "It was but a small sum of money that was required," continued Mr. Loveday, "but I did not possess it. I had, however, books which I could sell--I am a bookseller by trade, sir--and last evening I left my house and place of business to negotiate the sale. Meanwhile my niece wrote to your son that I would supply her with the means for his return home, and that she would send him the money to-day. Upon my return, two or three hours later, I found my house in flames. The account of the fire, with my name, is in this morning's papers, and you may verify my statement. I was not insured, and nothing was saved. I am a beggar." "It is, after all, then," said Mr. Manners, with a certain air of triumph, "on your own behalf that you are making this appeal to me." "No, sir," replied Mr. Loveday, "I want nothing for myself; I shall rub along somehow, and hope to lift my head once more above adverse circumstance. My appeal is on behalf of your son's wife. I am unable to fulfil the promise I made to furnish her with the small sum required to bring your son home. I ask you respectfully and humbly to give it to me or to send it to her direct to this address." He laid a piece of paper, with writing on it, on the table. "If you would prefer to hand it to her personally she will call upon you for the purpose." "You have spoken temperately," said Mr. Manners, with cold malice in his tones. "What is the amount you require?" "Ten pounds, sir," replied Mr. Loveday, animated by a sudden and unexpected hope. Mr. Manners touched a bell on his table. A servant appeared. "Show this person to the door," he said. "Is that your answer, sir?" asked Mr. Loveday, sadly. "Show this person to the door," repeated Mr. Manners to the servant. "I implore you," said Mr. Loveday, strongly agitated. "When I tell you that you have a grandchild but a few weeks old; that the poor lady, your son's wife, is in a delicate state of health--" "Did you hear what I ordered?" said Mr. Manners to the servant, and repeated again: "Show this person to the door." CHAPTER XXIV.