"Three hundred pounds, too!" ejaculated Dinah. "The very sound of it frightens me. A terrible sum to throw to waste!"
"I wouldn't say that altogether. . . . Yes, you may unlace me.
What fools men are!"
CHAPTER XXII.
THE LAST CHALLENGE.
Next Lady-day, which fell on a Thursday, 'Bias called upon Mrs Bosenna with his rent and with the pleasing announcement that in a week or so he proposed to pay her a further sum of seven pounds eight shillings and fourpence; this being the ascertained half-year's dividend earned by the hundred pounds she had entrusted to his stewardship.
She warmly commended him. "Close upon fifteen per cent! I wonder— But there! I suppose you won't tell me how it's done, not if I ask ever so?"
'Bias looked knowing and reminded her that to ask no questions was a part of her bargain. As a matter of fact it was also a part of his bargain with Mr Rogers, and he could not have told had he wished to tell.
"I suppose you've heard the latest news?" said he. "They've chosen me on the Harbour Board—Ship-owners' representative."
"I didn't even know there had been an election."
"No more there hasn't. Rogers made the vacancy, and managed it for me; retired in my favour, as you might say."