"Oh, you need not deny it!" said The Chobb. "I hate roundabout stories. I am a gentleman. Was it a joke or not? Will you pay me a good ten-pound note or not?"
"Where is this note?"
"It is in the hands of my children's governess. I have lodged it with her for security, and gain her evidence if, unfortunately, the business goes further."
"Gentlemen," said Frank, "before I answer you, I must insist on seeing the lady, and the note exactly in the state it now is."
"Certainly! nothing can be fairer," said the general. "I will conduct you to the school-room at once."
"I should like, if you please, to be paid for these documents first," said the lawyer. "The agreement stamp is very high."
"And, as short accounts make long friendships," said the medical man, "I should like to receive my fee for attendance."
"What attendance, sir?" said Frank, whom even the approaching interview with Alice could scarcely keep cool.
"I visited you professionally at the inn yesterday, sir, and sat by your side till nearly twelve o'clock. Time with a medical man is money; and I think my demand moderate at five guineas."
"Very moderate, indeed!" said The Chobb. "Sir Henry Halford would have charged you five times the sum for half the time."