"Yes."
"Then pray step this way."
"No," said Barnabas, "first I require your signature to this lady's papers."
Jasper Gaunt smiled, and shrugged his shoulders slightly.
"Such clients as this, sir,—I leave entirely to Mr. Quigly."
"Then, in this instance, sir, you will perhaps favor me by giving the matter your personal attention!"
Jasper Gaunt hesitated, observed the glowing eye, flushed cheek, and firm-set lips of the speaker, and being wise in men and their ways,—bowed.
"To oblige you, Mr. Beverley, with pleasure. Though I understand from Mr. Quigly that she is unable to meet—"
"Seventy-eight pounds, sir! She can pay it all—every blood-stained, tear-soaked farthing. She should meet it were it double—treble the sum!" said Barnabas, opening his purse.
"Ah, indeed, I see! I see!" nodded Jasper Gaunt. "Take the money, Quigly, I will make out the receipt. If you desire, you shall see me sign it, Mr. Beverley." So saying, he crossed to the desk, wrote the document, and handed it to Barnabas, with a bow that was almost ironical.