Mrs Gaff seemed to be struck with a sudden thought. She thanked Kenneth for his congratulations, and then said:
“As to my not needin’ the money you’ve brought me, young man, I take leave to say that I do need it; so you’ll obleege me by handin’ it over.”
Kenneth obeyed in surprise not unmingled with disappointment in finding such a grasping spirit in one whom he had hitherto thought well of. He paid the money, however, in silence, and was about to take his leave when Mrs Gaff stopped him.
“This sum has bin paid to me riglarly for the last three months.”
“I believe it has,” said Kenneth.
“And,” continued Mrs Gaff, “it’s been the means o’ keepin’ me and my Tottie from starvation.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” returned Kenneth, who began to wonder what was to follow; but he was left to wonder, for Mrs Gaff abruptly asked him and Gildart to be seated, as she was anxious to find out a fact or two in regard to principal and interest.
Gildart could scarce avoid laughing as he glanced at his companion.
“Now,” began Mrs Gaff, seating herself opposite Kenneth, with a hand on each knee, “I wants to know what a principal of ten thousand pounds comes to in the way of interest in a twel’month.”
“Well, Mrs Gaff,” said Kenneth, “that depends—”