He laughed. “Then I am sure it is merely imagination on my part. But that is unimportant. This is very offensive, and I am seriously disposed to ask for the bill and go.”
Mornice dissuaded him. Emma made her laugh, she said, and her bed was a dream without lumps. Probably the poor thing was hard up, and it was just a try on to get money in advance.
“Well, if that is so, and you are satisfied, there is no reason why she should not have it.”
Accordingly he sat down and wrote:
Madame,—I am in receipt of your letter and hasten to applaud the spirit of caution that inspired it.
It has not been my habit to give credentials when taking rooms, since I believed my name to be a sufficient guarantee of probity. However, since this appears to be a condition you require, I enclose five pounds, three guineas being for rent and the remainder towards current expenses.
Awaiting your acknowledgment and receipt,
Yours faithfully,
Eliphalet Cardomay
(with a flourish beneath).