He walked up to her, laughing. She backed from him with a grin.
“Jess-ie,” came a cry from without.
“It’s missus,” she said, terrified, going to the door.
“Yes, mum.”
“The man wants an answer for that letter he brought.”
“Yes, mum,” she cried. “In a minute, mum. There’s an answer, sir. What’s the answer, sir?”
Stukeley tore the paper open. A bill fell out.
“Oh damn,” he exclaimed. “Tell him I’ll look in in the morning.”
Jessie carried the message to the bearer; and returned with another.
“Please, sir, the man says he won’t go unless he has his money, sir.”