Seems to have lost his pluck." Mr.Chalker returned to the back-shop.
"Within three weeks, Mr.Emblem," he repeated, and then departed.
Mr.Emblem sat in his chair.

He had to find three hundred and fifty pounds in three weeks.

No one knew better than himself that this was impossible.

Within three weeks! But, in three weeks, he would open the packet of letters, and give Iris her inheritance.

At least, she would not suffer.