Thorn thanked him and began to think.  He wondered where Gerald had managed to get two thousand pounds, since he imagined that nobody would lend him the sum.  He did not know much about banking, but it was possible that Gerald had used his employers’ money, hoping to replace it before he was found out.  Then, since two thousand pounds, used for a margin, would cover a large number of shares, it looked as if Gerald had lost part of the sum by previous speculations.  While he pondered, the man whose entry had seemed to disturb Gerald came to his table and sat down opposite.

“You obviously know young Osborn,” he remarked.

Thorn said nothing for a moment or two.  Hallam was not a public money-lender, but sometimes negotiated private loans for extravagant young men about town.  One meets such people now and then at smart London clubs, and Thorn imagined the fellow could throw some light on Gerald’s difficulties.

“We come from the same neighborhood,” he replied.

“His father is a large landowner, I believe?”

“He has some land,” said Thorn, who began to see his way.  He had not yet decided to help Gerald, but if he did, his help must be made as valuable as possible.  “The rents are low and the estate is encumbered,” he resumed.  “On the whole, I don’t think you would consider it good security.”

“Thank you for the hint.  Osborn looked as if he had got a jar.”

“I think he had.  He bought some shares that have gone down sharply, and since he’s a bank-clerk I expect the loss is a serious thing for him.”

Hallam nodded carelessly.  “No doubt!  Do you know a man called Askew?”

“I know something about him.  He owns a farm in the dale and has recently spent some money on improvements, although it’s doubtful if he’ll get much return.  I can’t tell you if he has any more or not, but imagine he’s not worth your bothering about.  Besides, he’s not the man I’d expect to get into debt.”

“Mr. Askew has not been trying to borrow,” Hallam answered with a smile.  “Well, I promised to meet a friend and mustn’t stop.”

He went away and Thorn sat still, pondering.  The other men went out by and by and the room was quiet except for the rumble of traffic in the street and the rattle of an electric fan.  A waiter pulled down a blind to shut out a bright sunbeam and Thorn found the shade and softened noises from outside helpful to thought.

Gerald had used money belonging to the bank and borrowed from Hallam in order to pay it back; although Thorn could not see what had persuaded the latter to lend.  It was strange, certainly, that Hallam had inquired about Askew, but in the meantime he could let this go.  Gerald was threatened by a danger money could avert, and Thorn could help.  If he did help, it would give him a claim to Osborn’s gratitude, although he could not tell how far this would influence Grace.  The Osborns cherished the old-fashioned traditions of their class, and anything that touched one touched all.  Grace, however, was modern and rebellious, and Thorn knew she did not like him much.  He was not afraid to risk his money, but he must not waste an opportunity he might not get again, and the opportunity could be used in one of two ways.