"Now don't be silly. I'm not insulting you, though you are admittedly stony-broke, by offering you five shillings. I said, quite politely and in quite friendly fashion, 'Let me lend you twenty pounds.' I further explained why I wished to lend you twenty pounds."
Goulburn was still obviously puzzled. He put his hands in his pockets and began to dig a hole in the sand with the tip of his right boot. He kept his eyes intently fixed on this hole as he made it.
"Well?" she said, when he had remained thus occupied for some time. "Are you going to remain silent?"
"It's awfully kind of you," he said hurriedly. "Of course I appreciate such kindness immensely, but of course it's impossible. Why, you don't even know me, and———"
The girl yawned.
"I am wearied of smug British conventionality," she said, with mock pathos. "It's so dull. Now listen to me—listen to some common sense. See, I'm going to tick certain points off on my fingers. First, I believe you told me the exact truth; therefore I believe in your honesty. Second, I should like you to be able to give your sister her money at once, as I gather you always have done. Third, you can't—because you haven't got it. Fourth, I have, and will lend it to you with all the pleasure in the world, because I happen to be a very rich young woman, and sometimes like to use my money sensibly. Fifth—yes, there is a fifth reason."
"What is it?" asked Goulburn.
