Besides, I had so much
to think about."
"You mean regarding what you shall do with me," and she arose to her
feet. "It is time now I did something for myself."
"Wait, please," and I extended my hand, almost forcing her back upon
the settee. "Let me say a word first before you decide to go. All I
told you last night about myself is true, with one exception. I have
money, and profitable work in view--see!" and I held before her the two
bills.
She gazed at them with wide-open eyes, half convinced of some
legerdemain.
"A thousand dollars," she exclaimed bewildered. "_You_! why, what does
it all mean?"
"Yes, and nine thousand more promised, when I complete work that ought
not to require to exceed two months. I was not without money in the
restaurant, only I could not ask the cashier to change so large a bill.
Sit down again, please, and let me tell you the story."
She did so, almost reluctantly, as though doubting my sanity, but I
could note a change in the expression of her face as I proceeded. I
told it slowly, carefully, pausing to explain each detail to her
questioning, yet was not interrupted more than once or twice. Somehow,
as I thus repeated the proposed scheme to another it did not appear
quite as easy, or honorable, as when I faced it alone.
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