‘It was about that infernal money-lenders’ letter that the Governor got!’ Stephen got still less anxious. This open acknowledgment of his true purpose seemed to clear the air.
‘What is the amount?’ Leonard looked quickly at her; the relief of her mind made her tone seem joyful.
‘A monkey! Five hundred pounds, you know. But then there’s three hundred for interest that has to be paid also. It’s an awful lot of money, isn’t it?’ The last phrase was added on seeing Stephen’s surprised look.
‘Yes!’ she answered quietly. ‘A great deal of money—to waste!’ They were both silent for a while. Then she said:
‘What does your father say to it?’
‘He was in an awful wax. One of these beastly duns had written to him about another account and he was in a regular fury. When I told him I would pay it within a week, he said very little, which was suspicious; and then, just when I was going out, he sprung this on me. Mean of him! wasn’t it? I need expect no help from him.’ As he was speaking he took a mass of letters from his pocket and began to look among them for the money-lenders’ letter.
‘Why, what a correspondence you have there. Do you keep all your letters in your pockets?’ said Stephen quietly.
‘All I don’t tear up or burn. It wouldn’t do to let the Governor into my secrets. He might know too much!’
‘And are all those letters from duns?’
‘Mostly, but I only keep those letters I have to attend to and those I care for.’