"Of course! What did you expect? My name's here. It's not my habit to disown my debts."
Hallam did not state what he had expected. He was tactful and was satisfied to get his money. Pulling out a fountain pen, he cancelled the bill and put Kit's cheque in his pocket.
"That is all, I think, and I can get a train if I start at once," he said. "If you should require help to extend your farm or improve your stock, I should be glad if you would apply to me."
"I'm afraid your interest is too high," Kit rejoined with a smile, and
Hallam bowed to the others and went out.
When he had gone, Osborn turned to Kit, who gave Mrs. Osborn the cancelled bill.
"I don't understand," he said dully. "Why have you come to my rescue?"
"To some extent, it was for Miss Osborn's sake."
"Ah!" said Osborn. "I suppose you have a demand to make now I am in your power?"
"You are not in my power. Mrs. Osborn has the bill, and if you cannot repay me, I won't urge the debt. But there is, so to speak, a stipulation. You must use no pressure to persuade Miss Osborn to marry Mr. Thorn."
"I am not likely to do so," Osborn remarked, dryly. He paused and his face got red as he struggled with his deep-rooted dislike for Kit.