"The only reason why I have alluded to the matter is that I disapprove of the course adopted by my agent, who, I believe, enforced the payment of a year's rent from you." "He was within his rights, your Grace," I said.
"He may have been," the Duke admitted, "but I consider his action arbitrary.

Not only that, but it was unnecessary, for he has already found another tenant for the place.

I have instructed him, therefore, to send you a cheque for the amount you paid him, less the actual cost of preparing the lease." Now my entire capital at that moment was something under three shillings.

A gift of fifty pounds, therefore, which after all was not a gift but only the just return of my own money, was more than opportune--it was Heaven-sent.

If I could have given way to my feelings I should have sprung up and wrung the little man's hands.