The doctor, however, had too much tact, and too many things of importance to say, to allow of his giving up much time to the discussion of Dr. Fillgrave's wrath. He had come determined to open the baronet's eyes as to what would be the real effect of his will, and he had also to negotiate a loan for Mr. Gresham, if that might be possible. Dr. Thorne therefore began about the loan, that being the easier subject, and found that Sir Eoger was quite clear-headed as to his money concerns, in spite of his illness. Sir Roger was willing enough to lend Mr. Gresham more money—six, eight, ten, twenty thousand; but then, in doing so, he should insist on obtaining possession of the title-deeds.
'What! the title-deeds of Greshamsbury for a few thousand pounds?' said the doctor.
'I don't know whether you call ninety thousand pounds a few thousands; but the debt will about amount to that.'
'Ah! that's the old debt.'
'Old and new together, of course; every shilling I lend more weakens my security for what I have lent before.'
'But you have the first claim, Sir Roger.'
'It ought to be first and last to cover such a debt as that. If he wants further accommodation, he must part with his deeds, doctor.'
The point was argued backwards and forwards for some time without avail, and the doctor then thought it well to introduce the other subject.
'Well, Sir Roger, you're a hard man.'
'No I ain't,' said Sir Roger; 'not a bit hard; that is, not a bit too hard. Money is always hard. I know I found it hard to come by; and there is no reason why Squire Gresham should expect to find me so very soft.'
'Very well; there is an end of that. I thought you would have done as much to oblige me, that is all.'
'What! take bad security to oblige you?'
'Well, there's an end of that.'
'I'll tell you what; I'll do as much to oblige a friend as any one. I'll lend you five thousand pounds, you yourself, without security at all, if you want it.'
'But you know I don't want it; or, at any rate, shan't take it.'
'But to ask me to go on lending money to a third party, and he over head and ears in debt, by way of obliging you, why, it's a little too much.'
'Well, there's an end of it. Now I've something to say to you about that will of yours.'
'Oh! that's settled.'
'No, Scatcherd; it isn't settled. It must be a great deal more
