Page:The Wanderer (1814 Volume 2).pdf/219

 his countenance, that it was the latter; and then, with a sigh, answered, "You are undoubtedly right, Sir! I am the first to condemn all that appears against me! But I made my late attempt with a persuasion that I was as secure of repaying others, as of serving myself. I would not, else, have run any risk, where I should not have been the sole sufferer."

"But what," said he, staring, and shutting the door, and not seeming to comprehend her, "what is the reason that you can't pay your bills?"

"A very simple reason, Sir—I have not the power!"

"Not the power?—what, are you very poor, then?"

Ellis could not forbear smiling, but seeing him put his hand in his pocket, hastened to answer, "Yes, Sir,—but very proud, too! I am sometimes, therefore, involved in the double distress, of being obliged to refuse the very assistance I require."

"But you would not refuse mine!"