He struck the gong standing at his elbow, and Levison, feeling too bewildered to expostulate or argue, was shown out.
He went back slowly, wiping the perspiration from his face. If it were known that he had parted with Lord Auchester's bills he would probably get a bad name with the other 'swells,' and lose half of them as customers; his business would be ruined!
He forced a grin as he entered the office, and threw up his hands with a beautiful gesture of amazement.
"Heresh a go, my lord!" he exclaimed. "Brother's gone off to see a client in the country, and took them confounded keys of mine with him. But there, it don't matter for a day or two, does it? I'll send the bill, or call on your lordship——."
Yorke put his pocket-book back.
"Very well," he said. "Mind, I want to pay the money—while I've got it. You see?"
The Jew grinned.
"I see; before it melts; eh, my lord? But there, as I said, why pay at all? Why not let me lend you——."
Yorke shook his head and laughed.
"No, thanks, Mr. Levison. I don't mean to trouble you in that way again, if I can help it. Good-morning." And with a pleasant nod he went out of the grimy parlor, leaving the spider staring after him with unfeigned surprise.