human
I will come back to-morrow and give you my answer,
gpt
Come to-night, if you can.
human
Very well, I will, if possible.
gpt
Good-morning, Paul, said the merchant, pleasantly;
human
I want to consult you on a matter of business, Mr. Preston.
gpt
I shall be glad to advise you as well as I can.
human
Do you think the shop favorably situated for business?
gpt
Yes, sir.
human
Is it pretty well stocked?
gpt
Yes, sir. If I had it I might want to increase the stock a little.
human
So the man asks a thousand dollars cash?
gpt
Yes, sir.
human
How much money have you?
gpt
Six hundred.
human
Well, Paul, I think favorably of your plan. If you want to take the shop, I will lend you the money you need, and stand security for the remainder.
gpt
Thank you, sir,
human
Wait a minute till you hear my conditions. This is strictly a business arrangement between us. I expect you to pay me interest at the legal rate, and to pay it punctually as it falls due. You understand that?
gpt
Yes, sir, that is only fair.
human
As you say, it is only fair, yet borrowers are apt to forget it. They will make all sorts of promises when they want to borrow, and break them afterward. Even honest men will think it is enough to pay interest whenever it is convenient, forgetting that by their neglect they are injuring their credit. Some years since I helped two former clerks to establish themselves in business. Both were honest; but while one was prompt in all his engagements, and waited upon me on the very day the interest came due with the money ready, the other obliged me to send for it, and then put me off on every occasion, though he paid finally. The result was, that after a while I assisted the first cheerfully to extend his business. The second, hearing of it, made a similar application, which I promptly refused. Do you wonder at it?
gpt
Not at all, sir. I think you were perfectly right.
human
Be prompt in all your engagements. That is a good rule in business, and in everything else. I have confidence in your integrity, and shall be very glad to assist you. Go and finish your negotiation, and when you want the money come to me.
gpt
Thank you, sir, not only for your kind offer, but for your advice.
human
He is going to succeed, said the merchant, as Paul went out.
gpt
He will some day be a prosperous man.