September, and his days of grace have expired.
He ought to have paid it.'
Here there came a dreadful pause, during which nothing was heard but the
sharp ticking of his watch on the table.
'Well, Ma'am,' he said, 'when a thing comes before me, I say yes or no
promptly. I like your husband, and I'll lend him the amount of his
rent.'
Poor little Mrs. Sturk jumped up in an ecstasy, and then felt quite
sick, and sat down almost fainting, with a deathlike smile.
'There's but one condition I attach, that you tell me truly, my dear
Ma'am, whether you came to me directly or indirectly at his suggestion.'
No, indeed, she had not; it was all her own thought; she had not dared
to mention it to him, lest he should forbid her, and now she should be
almost afraid to tell him where she had been.
'He'll not be very angry, depend on't, my good Madam; you did wisely in
coming to me. I respect your sense and energy; and should you hereafter
stand in need of a friendly office, I beg you'll remember once who is
disposed to help you.'
Then he sat down and wrote with a flying pen--
'MY DEAR SIR,--I have just learned from Mrs.
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