“Yes, and about three before; and that in a matter in which I did not really owe one shilling. Whatever I do in future, I’ll keep out of Sowerby’s grip.”
“But you don’t think he has been unfair to you.”
“Mark, to tell you the truth I have banished the affair from my mind, and don’t wish to take it up again. My mother has paid the money to save the property, and of course I must pay her back. But I think I may promise that I will not have any more money dealings with Sowerby. I will not say that he is dishonest, but at any rate he is sharp.”
“Well, Lufton; what will you say when I tell you that I have put my name to a bill for him, for four hundred pounds?”
“Say; why I should say—; but you’re joking; a man in your position would never do such a thing.”
“But I have done it.”
Lord Lufton gave a long low whistle.
“He asked me the last night that I was there, making a great favour of it, and declaring that no bill of his had ever yet been dishonoured.”
Lord Lufton whistled again. “No bill of his dishonoured! Why the pocket-books of the Jews are stuffed full of his dishonoured papers! And you have really given him your name for four hundred pounds?”
“I have certainly.”