toes into his
slippers--partly because he was cognizant of the fact that no real
gentleman will receive a lady in his stocking feet, and partly to
conceal the neat but large darn on the toe of one sock. He was courteous
amiability itself, and Mrs. Toomey's hopes shot up.

"I came to have a little talk."

"Yes?"

Mr. Pantin's smile deceived her and she plunged on with confidence:

"I--we would like to arrange for a loan, Mr. Pantin."

"To what amount, Mrs. Toomey?"

Mrs. Toomey considered.

"As much as you could conveniently spare."

The smile which Mr. Pantin endeavored to conceal was genuine.

"For what length of time?"

Mrs. Toomey had not thought of that.

"I could not say exactly--not off-hand like this--but I presume only
until my husband gets into something."

"Has he--er--anything definite in view?"

"I wouldn't say definite, not definite, but he has several irons in the
fire and we expect to hear soon."

"I see." Mr. Pantin's manner was urbane but, observing him closely, Mrs.
Toomey noted that his eyes suddenly presented the curious illusion of
two slate-gray pools covered with skim ice. It was not an encouraging
sign and her heart sank in spite of the superlative suavity of the tone
in which he inquired:

"What security would you be able to give, Mrs. Toomey?"

Security? Between friends? She had not expected this.

"I--I'm afraid I--we haven't any, Mr. Pantin. You know we lost
everything when we lost the ranch. But you're perfectly safe--you
needn't have a moment's anxiety about that."

Immediately it seemed as though invisible hands shot out to push her
away, yet Mr. Pantin's tone was bland as he replied:

"I should be delighted to be able to accommodate you, but just at the
present time--"

"You can't? Oh, I wish you would reconsider--as a matter of friendship.
We need it--desperately, Mr. Pantin!" Her voice shook.

Again she had the sensation of invisible hands fighting her off.

"I regret very much--"

The hopelessness of any further plea swept over her. She arose with a
gesture of despair, and Mr. Pantin, smiling, suave, urbane, bowed her
out and closed the door. He watched her go down the walk and through the
gate, noting her momentary hesitation and wondering where she might be
going in such a wind. When she started in the opposite direction from
home and walked rapidly down the road that led out of town it flashed
through his mind that she might be bent on suicide--she had