“Is there any hardship in requiring payment of honest debts?”
“There are cases of that description. However, I will not put you to that trouble. I am ready to pay you your dues.”
“You have the money?” said Colman, hastily.
“I have, and something over; as you will see by this document. Can you give me the two hundred and eighty dollars over?”
It would be difficult to picture the amazement of Colman. “Surely, you told me a different story last night,” he said.
“Last night and this morning are different times. Then I could not pay you; now, luckily, I am able. If you cannot change this amount, and will accompany me to the bank, I will place the money in your hands.”
“My dear sir, I am not at all in haste,” said the landlord, with a return of his former affability. “Any time within a week will do. I hope, by the way, you will continue to occupy this house.”
“As I have already engaged Mr. Harrison's house, at the corner of the street, I shall be unable to remain. Besides, I do not want to interfere with the family who are so desirous of moving in.”
Mr. Colman was silenced. He regretted, too late, the hasty course which had lost him a good tenant. The family referred to had no existence; and, it may be remarked, the house remained vacant for several months, when he was glad to rent it at the old price.