"
"Very true, Ferdinand."
"I ask nothing on the score of relationship, but I will make a
business proposal."
"I don't believe the ring would fetch over six hundred dollars."
"It would bring just about that. The other fifty dollars represent
the profit. Now, aunt, I'll make you a regular business proposal.
If you'll lend me five hundred dollars, I'll give you my note for
five hundred and fifty, bearing interest at six per cent., payable in
six months, or, to make all sure, say in a year. I place the ring in
your hands, with leave to sell it at the end of that time if I fail
to carry out my agreement. But I sha'n't if I keep my health."
The old lady was attracted by the idea of making a bonus of fifty
dollars, but she was cautious, and averse to parting with her money.
"I don't know what to say, Ferdinand," she replied. "Five hundred
dollars is a good deal of money."
"So it is, aunt. Well, I don't know but I can offer you a little
better terms. Give me four hundred and seventy-five, and I'll give
you a note for five hundred and fifty. You can't make as much
interest anywhere else."
"I'd like to accommodate you," said the old lady, hesitating, for,
like most avaricious persons, she was captivated by the prospect of
making extra-legal interest.
"I know you would. Aunt Deborah, but I don't want to ask the money
as a favor.
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