As I expected, he sidled up to me at the first opportunity.
“Batchelor,” said he, “you must really take the money back. I am sure you must want it. I should be quite uncomfortable to feel I was depriving you of it.”
And so saying, he actually laid the two coins down on my desk.
“Thank you,” I began; “but if—”
“Please don’t talk so loud,” said he; “I would rather everybody didn’t hear.”
“Then,” said I, “kindly take the money off my desk. It’s yours.”
“But, really, Batchelor, I don’t feel comfortable—”
“I do,” I interrupted.
“I am sure you are not in a position to afford it,” said he. “Excuse my asking, but—”
“I suppose you’d like to know where I got it from,” said I, irritated at his persistency. “You may be surprised to hear I didn’t steal it, and equally surprised to hear I have no notion of gratifying your curiosity.”