"Master in?" said Mr. Copley, who was a man of few words.
"No, sir."
"Lady in?"
"My mistress does not receive any one so early."
"Take that up—answer important—bearer waiting."
The footman condescended so far as this, and gave Mr. Copley's letter into the charge of Mrs. Campion's maid.
In less than ten minutes Nan sent for the unwelcome visitor. She was very pale when she received him, and she looked so young and fair that Mr. Copley was a little taken aback. He knew that Sydney had married an heiress, and it was from her, therefore, that he had determined, if possible, to get the money; but he half repented his resolve when he saw Mrs. Campion's face. "Too young to know anything about business," he said to himself.
But Nan was more business-like than he expected. She had for some time insisted on knowing a good deal about her own money matters, and she was well aware of her powers.
"Where is this paper—this acceptance you mention in your letter?" she began.
Mr. Copley silently took it from his notebook, and laid it on the table.