"I am amazed and horrified, Martha.  Do you know that when I was last here, ten years ago, that man Noakes came to me and borrowed a considerable sum of money for the extension of his business.  He seemed a civil and obliging person, and I was glad to lend to a respectable tradesman—of course, at a reasonable rate of interest.  He has paid me the interest regularly, but always regretted that circumstances did not permit of his repaying the loan.  It is shocking to find that he has actually used that money—my money—to involve your dear husband in difficulties. Such depravity!  I shall deal very sternly with Mr. Noakes to-morrow, I assure you."