'Oh! It's all of no use, unless you have brought the money. My Lord can't wait any longer, and I have a warrant out now.'
'But I have the money,' said the man, and he laid five one pound notes on the table.
'This is not sufficient,' said Lambert, 'the costs of the summons, warrant of distress, etc., amount to £14 more.'
'My God!' said he, 'what am I to do?'
'I can take this on account, and stop further proceedings, if you can procure security to pay the remainder within a month.'
'I cannot. Great God! have you no mercy? I have not tasted food these three days, and I am weak with fever. I cannot work yet; wait till I am better.'
This man's attenuated form, his bony hands and cadaverous cheeks—eyes staring with hunger, told a tale too common, alas, of fearful suffering; but no marble was colder than the agent.
'I am not your physician, Mr. Johnson, and therefore cannot say any thing about your fitness for work. One thing I have to say, that is, you cannot sit rent free in my lord's cottage; the money must be paid or out you pack. I have an attachment on your tools, so you cannot remove them. You have had the usual legal notice, and my offer just now was liberal—very liberal.'
'And my children—'
'There are institutions provided by the laws, Mr. Johnson, for the reception of paupers. But we are wasting time. Do you accept my proposition or not?'