“Of course I will promise no such thing,” answered the lawyer.
“Well, then I must instruct some mortuary engraver myself.... But tell me—you have brought with you the schedule of my debts? How much exactly do they amount to?”
The lawyer drew a bulky paper from his pocket.
“Here is the schedule,” he said, and then glancing at the total of many pages of figures, he answered, “They are close on ten thousand pounds....”
“’Tis a good round sum,” said the poet, “but in two years I have earned it, every penny, and more besides.”
“It is marvellous,” said the lawyer.
“It sounds like a dream,” said the poet, “but it is true. Think what fun one might have with ten thousand pounds—if one were not going to die....”
“Or pay one’s debts at last,” laughed the lawyer.
“That reminds me that I have a fancy for the manner of paying them, in which I hope you will humour me. I wish to pay each creditor in person, and I wish to pay him in solid gold. I would, therefore, ask you to send out a notice inviting them here at noon to-day week; that is, Wednesday week—I shall not die till Friday.”
Though he was quite serious, the poet could not help laughing at this final touch, and the lawyer joined in. “You humbug!” he exclaimed; but, for all that, the poet was able to convince him of his seriousness after a while.