"If your overdue ship returns safely, within a month from this time, you can borrow the money you want, without difficulty. If the ship is lost, you have no alternative (when the end of the month comes) but to accept a loan from me or to suspend payment.
Is that the hard truth?"
"It is."
"And the sum you require is--twenty thousand pounds?""Yes "
"I have twenty times as much money as that, Mr. Lismore, at my sole disposal--on one condition.""The condition alluded to in your letter?"
"Yes."
"Does the fulfillment of the condition depend in some way on any decision of mine?""It depends entirely on you."
That answer closed his lips.
With a composed manner and a steady hand she poured herself out a cup of tea.