Why, then, he owes a whole year's rent, L40, Ma'am.

September, and his days of grace have expired.
He ought to have paid it.' Here there came a dreadful pause, during which nothing was heard but the sharp ticking of his watch on the table.
'Well, Ma'am,' he said, 'when a thing comes before me, I say yes or no promptly.

I like your husband, and I'll lend him the amount of his rent.' Poor little Mrs.Sturk jumped up in an ecstasy, and then felt quite sick, and sat down almost fainting, with a deathlike smile.
'There's but one condition I attach, that you tell me truly, my dear Ma'am, whether you came to me directly or indirectly at his suggestion.' No, indeed, she had not; it was all her own thought; she had not dared to mention it to him, lest he should forbid her, and now she should be almost afraid to tell him where she had been.
'He'll not be very angry, depend on't, my good Madam; you did wisely in coming to me.

I respect your sense and energy; and should you hereafter stand in need of a friendly office, I beg you'll remember once who is disposed to help you.' Then he sat down and wrote with a flying pen-- 'MY DEAR SIR,--I have just learned from Mrs.Sturk that you have an immediate concern for forty pounds, to which, I venture to surmise, will be added some fees, etc.

I take leave, therefore, to send herewith fifty guineas, which I trust will suffice for this troublesome affair.