“Deeply indebted,—very deeply indebted, sir,” said Joe, poring over the papers.
“Tell Crowther to come over this evening at six o'clock, and write to Carew by this post, thus:—
“'Mr. Fagan regrets that in the precarious condition of the money market he is obliged to return you the bills, herewith enclosed, without acceptance. Mr. F., having some large and pressing claims to meet, desires to call your attention to the accompanying memorandum, and to ask at what early period it will be your convenience to make an arrangement for its settlement.'
“Make out an account and furnish it, Raper; we'll see how he relishes Shylock when he comes to read that.”
Joseph sat with the pen in his hand, as if deep in thought.
“Do you hear me, Raper?” asked Fagan, in a harsh voice.
“I do,” said the other, and proceeded to write.
“There's a judgment entered upon Carew's bond of February, isn't there?”
“There is! Crowther has it in his office.”
“That's right. We 'll see and give him a pleasant honeymoon.” And with these words, uttered with an almost savage malevolence, he passed out into the street.