"And you're the man to give it the lift!" said Mrs Bosenna gaily.
"Is Captain Hocken standin' too?"
"They say so."
"Then I'll plump for both of you. Wait, though—I won't promise: or when the canvass starts you'll both be neglectin' me."
The next day Cai called in turn with his rent. "And there's another little matter," said he after handing it to her. "You remember that hundred pounds? Well there's a half-year's dividend declared and due on it, and the cheque's to arrive some time next week. What's the amount, d'ye guess?"
"Satisfactory?"
"Seven pounds eight shillings and fourpence. . . . Eh? I thought it might astonish you."
"It's—it's such an odd amount," she murmured.
"It's close upon fifteen per cent."
"Yes. You took my breath away for the moment. I wonder at the way you men—I mean, I wonder how you do it—turnin' money to such good account? 'Tis a gift I suppose; and you couldn' teach me, even if you would."
Cai received the compliment with a somewhat guilty smile.