It's
here, quite at your service.'
'I am sure it is most kind of you,' said Ronald, 'and the truth is,
though I can't think how you guessed it, that I really AM a little
behind board. But I haven't come to talk about that.'
'No, I dare say!' cried I. 'Not worth talking about! But
remember, Ronald, you and I are on different sides of the business.
Remember that you did me one of those services that make men
friends for ever. And since I have had the fortune to come into a
fair share of money, just oblige me, and consider so much of it as
your own.'
'No,' he said, 'I couldn't take it; I couldn't, really. Besides,
the fact is, I've come on a very different matter. It's about my
sister, St. Ives,' and he shook his head menacingly at me.
'You're quite sure?' I persisted. 'It's here, at your service--up
to five hundred pounds, if you like. Well, all right; only
remember where it is, when you do want it.'
'Oh, please let me alone!' cried Ronald: 'I've come to say
something unpleasant; and how on earth can I do it, if you don't
give a fellow a chance? It's about my sister, as I said. You can
see for yourself that it can't be allowed to go on. It's
compromising; it don't lead to anything; and you're not the kind of
man (you must feel it yourself) that I can allow my female
relatives to have anything to do with.
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