Moneylenders

In the book Leave it to Psmith, the eponymous protagonist places an ad in 'Situations Wanted.' The only responses he receives are numerous offers to lend him money 'On very reasonable terms.'

Now, without even bothering to place such an ad, I am starting to feel like Psmith.

A few weeks ago, a bank (where I keep my pitifully small reserve of cash) called to offer me money, on the usual 'very reasonable terms.' I politely listened, but said I wasn't interested.

The next day, the same lady from the same bank called again, in case I'd changed my mind (I hadn't).

A few days later, she called again, to say that no one could possibly pass up the offer of cash on such great terms.

And again.

And again.

Finally, exasperated that I kept refusing her offer of cash, she said, 'But now there's no interest at all, so if you're a Muslim, you can take the money. In fact, whether you're Muslim or not, how can you refuse an offer of money without interest?'

Of course, there was a monthly fee of 1% of the total amount borrowed, even as the loan was being repaid, so the 'interest free' loan was being offered at 24% interestfee.

I wonder at my stupidity for declining such a generous offer.