George put his hand over his mouth and coughed.
"Because I know you're the right sort," he said diplomatically. "I know you've got a heart, and you wouldn't refuse a man who is hard up."
"It'll get round the office," said Parrott, "and I shall have everybody borrowing from me."
"Why should they?" asked George, innocently.
"Of course not," said Parrott, seeing the need for caution. "Well, I'll let you have the money this time, Early. You needn't tell anybody else; because if others started to borrow money from me, I should have to refuse everybody. Do you see?"
"I see," said George.
He pocketed the money and went out, leaving the head clerk in a very disturbed state of mind.
In spite of his impecunious state, George Early did not seek his usual coffee-shop for lunch that day. He passed it by on the other side, and stopped to look at the bill of fare outside a City restaurant. Having examined the menus of other restaurants, he entered one where a man in uniform stood at the door.
Turning into an alcove, George came face to face with Gray, who was preparing to begin on a prime rump-steak. Gray started, and seemed anything but pleased to see George.
"Didn't know you came here," said George—"thought you went to the Plume of Feathers."