“How soon do you think you can do something for me?” asked Gooding.
“I don’t know. If not disappointed, however, I think I can spare you a little in a couple of months.”
“My rent is due on the first of October. If you can let me have, say fifty dollars, then, it will be a great accommodation.”
“I will see. If in my power, you shall certainly have at least that amount.”
Two months rolled round, and Gooding’s quarter day came. Nothing more had been said by Jenkins on the subject of the fifty dollars, and Gooding felt very reluctant about reminding him of his promise; but he was short in making up his rent, just the promised sum. He waited until late in the day, but Jenkins neither sent nor called. As the matter was pressing, he determined to drop in upon his neighbor, and remind him of what he had said. He accordingly went round to the store of Jenkins, and found him alone with his clerk.
“How are you to-day?” said Jenkins, smiling.
“Very well. How are you?”
“So—so.”
Then came a pause.
“Business rather dull,” remarked Jenkins.