Mr.Douce, in addition to his other good qualities, stammered much in the delivery of his sentences.
"You are very kind, but it is the case just at present; I have great need of a few thousand pounds upon my personal security.

My estate is already a little mortgaged, and I don't wish to encumber it more; besides, the loan would be merely temporary.

You know that if at the age of eighteen Miss Cameron refuses me (a supposition out of the question, but in business we must calculate on improbabilities), I claim the forfeit she incurs,--thirty thousand pounds; you remember." "Oh, yes--that--is--upon my word--I--I don't exactly--but--your lord--l-l-l-lord-lordship knows best--I have been so--so busy--I forget the exact--hem--hem!" "If you just turn to the will you will see it is as I say.

Now, could you conveniently place a few thousands to my account, just for a short time?
But I see you don't like it.

Never mind, I can get it elsewhere; only, as you were my poor uncle's friend--" "Your lord--l-l-l-lordship is quite mistaken," said Mr.Douce, with trembling agitation; "upon my word, yes, a few thou-thou-thousands--to be sure--to be sure.