By the way, why did you only give me 2 shillings 6 pence change instead of 3 shillings 6 pence ?" "There was only 2 shillings 6 pence to give." "Really?
I thought so too till your clever management of the tips tempted me to look over the bills again.

I see that what you paid only came to L4 16 shillings 6 pence, instead of L4 17 shillings 6 pence.

I don't want the other shilling, but hope you bought yourself something nice with it.

You must consider it a present from Tempest, not me." I timed red and white in the sudden confusion of that announcement.

I was positively certain 2 shillings 6 pence had been the change, and that if there was any mistake it must be on the part of the tradesmen, not me.