"
"There may be a difference of opinion about this," replied the man
boldly--"and there _is_ a difference of opinion."
"I have already advanced you over five thousand dollars."
"What of that! Five thousand to three hundred thousand that you have
made by the operation."
"You are in error, Martin," said Jasper, with a blended look
of perplexity and distress. "I am not worth the sum you have
mentioned--nothing like it. My losses during the past six months have
been very heavy."
"It is your interest to say this. I can credit as much of it as I
please."
"You are insulting! You presume on the power a knowledge of my affairs
has given you. I will look for a more honourable agent the next time."
"Honourable! Ha! ha!" The visitor laughed in a low, guttural voice.
"Martin! I will not hear this from any living man."
The face of Jasper was almost purple with suppressed anger.
"Go!" he added. "Leave my house instantly. I defy you!"
Scarcely had these words passed his lips, ere Martin glided from the
drawing-room, and in a few moments the street-door shut with a heavy,
reverberating jar.
The merchant stood, like one bewildered, for a few moments, and then,
as he sank into a chair, uttered a low groan. For a long time he
remained as motionless as if sleeping.
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