"Yes, yes," he answered. Then he produced the letter, envelope and all. "I have here a letter from my father, who is in Rome. I'll read it to you. No; you can read it yourself."
The tailor read the letter.
"Very handsome," he replied; "very handsome indeed, sir. Your father is a true gentleman."
"It happens," said Beaumont-Greene, more easily, for the thing seemed to be simpler than he had anticipated—"it happens that I do want to make some presents, but I'm not going to buy them here. I shall send to the Stores, you know. I have their catalogue."
"Just so, sir. Excellent place the Stores for nearly everything; except, perhaps, my line."
"I should not think of buying clothes there. But at the Stores one must pay cash. I've not got the cash, and my father is in Rome. I should like to have the money to-day, if possible. Will you oblige me?"
The tradesman hesitated. In the past there have been grave scandals connected with lending money to boys. And Harrow tradesmen are at the mercy of the Head Master. If a school-tailor be put out of bounds, he can put up his shutters at once. Still——
"I'll let you have the money," said the man, eyeing Beaumont-Greene keenly.
"Thanks."
The tailor observed a slight flush and a sudden intake of breath—signs which stirred suspicion.