"I am entirely at his mercy! that I perfectly understand. I do trust, however, that in the name of our common humanity he will have some consideration for the helpless--the miserable situation in which I am so unexpectedly placed," said Aubrey, with mournful energy. "Never having imagined it necessary to save money"----
"Oh no--nor, with such an income as yours was, to resort, I fear, to any of the ordinary modes of providing against emergencies--by _insurance_ of your life, for instance"--interposed Gammon, sighing.
"No--sir! nothing of the sort"--["Ah!--the deuce you have not!" thought Gammon]--"and I confess--I now bitterly feel--how improvident I have been! My situation is so deplorable and desperate, that disguise would be absurd, even could I stoop to it; and I declare, in the presence of Heaven, Mr. Gammon, that without giving up the little remnant of plate I have preserved, and my books, I am unable to liquidate even the amount of your bill sent in the day before yesterday"--Gammon gazed at Aubrey mournfully, but in silence--"and if my miserable remnant of means _be_ so appropriated, we are _literally beggars_"--he paused, and his voice faltered.
"Indeed--indeed, you distress me beyond measure, Mr. Aubrey," said Gammon, in a low tone.
"If you can but secure me, sir--and that is the object of this intrusion upon you--a merciful interval, to prepare myself for the profession which I have entered--the bar--whatever earnings I might obtain, after leaving a bare maintenance for myself and family, shall be devoted faithfully to liquidate the heavy claims upon me! For myself, Mr. Gammon, I do not care about living upon bread and water for the next ten years; but there are others"--his voice trembled. "Sir," he suddenly added with almost passionate energy, "by every consideration which can influence a gentleman, I conjure you to interfere between me and utter immediate ruin!"
This was the real thrilling language of the heart; but it failed to produce the least impression upon Gammon, in whom it excited only intense chagrin and disappointment. "Oh, that it were but in my power," said he, however, with great energy, "to send you out of this room a free man! If I alone were to be consulted," he continued with vivacity, "I would instantly absolve you from all demands--or at least give you your own time, and take no other security than your word and honor!"