"I'm blessed if I would, my lord! Every man to his trade. Not but what
Mr Armstrong knows pretty well what he's about."

"Well but, Martin, I'll tell you what I want of you. I want a little
money, without bothering those fellows up in Dublin; and I believe you
could let me have it; at any rate, you and your mother together. Those
fellows at Guinness's are stiff about it, and I want three hundred
pounds, without absolutely telling them that they must give it me. I'd
give you my bill for the amount at twelve months, and, allow you six
per cent.; but then I want it immediately. Can you let me have it?"

"Why, my lord," said Martin, after pausing awhile and looking very
contemplative during the time, "I certainly have the money; that is, I
and mother together; but--"

"Oh, if you've any doubt about it--or if it puts you out, don't do it."

"Divil a doubt on 'arth, my lord; but I'll tell you I was just going to
ask your lordship's advice about laying out the same sum in another
way, and I don't think I could raise twice that much."

"Very well, Martin; if you've anything better to do with your money,
I'm sure I'd be sorry to take it from you."

"That's jist it, my lord. I don't think I can do betther--but I want
your advice about it."

"My advice whether you ought to lend me three hundred pounds or not!
Why, Martin, you're a fool. I wouldn't ask you to lend it me, if I