'I had permission when I gave lease to Captain Turner five years before. Missis now got that lease.'
'That will not stand good now, I fear, as they are going to make new rules for the cantonment,' observed Mr. C.
'But, sar,' said the vakeel, 'Missis like to buy. Missis can sell again to Government.'
Now, this honest gentleman had ascertained that the utmost that could be got from the cantonment authorities, if they purchased, would be 2,000 Rs. He and his wily friend Veneaty were therefore strongly disposed to sell. Mrs. G. escaped the snare Veneaty had set for her through the caution of Mr. C, who ascertained the facts of the case at Captain W.'s office.
But though Mrs. G. did not buy, she held the lease of the house, and continued to inhabit it and to pay the rent as usual. On the 2nd or 3rd of the ensuing month, Veneaty again presented himself at Mrs. G.'s door with the usual salaams.
'Good-morning, Veneaty,' said Mrs. G.; 'come for your rent, I suppose.'
'Missis please to give, I take.'
'Here it is; count it,' said the lady, 'and see that it is right.'
'What for I count? Missis never make mistake.'
'But you must count to satisfy me.'