"I expect she does, sir."
"Then in that case I think that, perhaps, I had better make it perfectly clear to you how, precisely, the land lies." From a drawer which he unlocked in his writing-table Mr. Hooper took three sovereigns and some silver; he displayed the coins to the best advantage on the table. "This choice, but small, collection of bullion has to last me, Mr. Gibb, to quarter day. There are still three clear weeks. I have to pay you thirty shillings; being three weeks' wages at ten shillings a week; out of the balance I have to pay Miss Lindsay six guineas, and keep myself; besides having to meet certain small liabilities which must be met. I should be glad, Mr. Gibb, if you would give me some idea of how it is to be done."
"I think, sir, if I were you, I should let me explain to Miss Lindsay."
"Explain what, Mr. Gibb?"
"What kind of gentleman you are."
"And pray, in your opinion, what kind of gentleman am I?"
"Well, considering how you've gone and done it with Miss Lindsay I shouldn't think you'd want much explaining, sir."
"That's true, Mr. Gibb, most true. Still, I'm curious to hear what you'd tell her."
"I wouldn't give you away, sir."
"Wouldn't you? Oh! What would you do?"