‘Well, here I am,’ said Mr. Watkins, as he sat down on the sofa; and placing the palms of his hands on his knees, anxiously glanced at his friend’s countenance.
‘Yes; and here you’re likely to be,’ said Gabriel, coolly, as he rattled the money in his unmentionable pockets, and looked out of the window.
‘What’s the amount with the costs?’ inquired Parsons, after an awkward pause.
‘37l. 3s 10d.’
‘Have you any money?’
‘Nine and sixpence halfpenny.’
Mr. Gabriel Parsons walked up and down the room for a few seconds, before he could make up his mind to disclose the plan he had formed; he was accustomed to drive hard bargains, but was always most anxious to conceal his avarice. At length he stopped short, and said, ‘Tottle, you owe me fifty pounds.’
‘I do.’
‘And from all I see, I infer that you are likely to owe it to me.’
‘I fear I am.’