"It was wrong in me.

But I've been very hard put to it to take up my notes, and didn't succeed until near the closing of bank hours.

I loaned Ellis some money, which he was to return to me to-day; but his failing to do so put me to a good deal of inconvenience." "Oh, I'm sorry," was the sympathizing response.

"But how came Mr.Ellis to disappoint you ?" "I don't exactly know.

He hasn't been at his store to-day." "Is he sick ?" "Worse, I'm afraid." "How, worse ?" "His habits have not been very good of late." "Oh! how sad! His poor wife!" This was an almost involuntary utterance on the part of Mrs.Wilkinson.
"Her poor husband, rather say," was the reply.