Again Ellis enquired what were his commands, frankly avowing, that she was too much engrossed by the melancholy state of her own affairs, to attend to any other.
'What, then, I'm afraid those poor people a'n't paid yet?'
'A poorer person, Sir, as I believe, and hope,' answered she, sighing, 'than any amongst them, is unpaid also! They would not, else, have this claim upon your compassion.'
'What, have you got any bad debts yourself?'
'Enquire, Sir, of Miss Arbe; and if you extend your benevolence to representing what is due to my creditors, it may urge her to consider what is due to me.'
'Does any body owe you any money, then?'
'Yes, Sir; and as much as will acquire all I myself owe to others.'
'What is the reason, then, that they don't pay you?'
'The want of knowing, Sir, the value of a little to the self-supported and distressed! The want, in short, of consideration.'
'Bad! bad!—that i'n't right!' cried he: 'I'll put an end to it, however;' rising hastily: 'I'll make my cousin go to every one of them. They must be taught what they should do. They mean very well; but that's of no use if they don't act well too. And if my cousin don't go to them, I'll go myself.'