There were
three gigantic vowels, I. O. U. There were little wee notifications of
time and place, and other particulars of medium size. The general
result was that Henry Kenealy O'd Lucy Fountain ninety pound for value
received per loan. Lucy caught at the meaning. "But, my dear friend,"
said she, innocently, "you mistake. I did not lend it you; I meant to
give it you. Will you not accept it? Are we not friends?"
"Much oblaiged. Couldn't do it. Dishonable."
"Oh, pray do not let me wound your pride. I know what it is to have
one's pride wounded; call it a loan if you wish. But, dear friend,
what am I to do with this?"
"When you want the money, order your man of business to present it to
me, and, if I don't pay, lock me up, for I shall deserve it."
"I think I understand. This is a memorandum--a sort of reminder."
"Yaas."
"Then clearly I am not the person to whom it should be given. No; if
you want to be reminded of this mighty matter, put this in your desk;
if it gets into mine, you will never see it again; I will give you
fair warning. There--hide it--quick--here they come."
They did come, all but Mr. Bazalgette, who was at work in his study.
Mr. Talboys came up to the piano and said gravely, "Miss Fountain, are
you aware of the fate of the lugger--of the boat we went out in?"
Indeed I am. I have sent the poor widow some clothes and a little
money."
"I have only just been informed of it," said Mr. Talboys, "and I feel
under considerable obligations to Mr.
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