must wait till we have all
the documents, before we can complete this transaction!'

Leonard was seriously alarmed. If the matter of the loan were not gone
on with at once the jeweller's bill could not be paid by Monday, and the
result would be another scene with his father. He turned to Stephen and
said as charmingly as he could, and he was all in earnest now:

'I'm awfully sorry! But these debts have been so worrying me that they
put lots of things out of my head. That bill to be paid on Monday, when
I haven't a feather to fly with, is enough to drive a fellow off his
chump. The moment I lay my hands on the letter I shall keep it with me
so that I can't forget it again. Won't you forgive me for this time?'

'Forgive!' she answered, with a laugh. 'Why it's not worth forgiveness!
It is not worth a second thought! All right! Leonard, make your mind
easy; the bill will be paid on Monday!' Miss Rowly said quietly:

'I have to be in London on Monday afternoon; I can pay it for you.' This
was a shock to Leonard; he said impulsively:

'Oh, I say! Can't I . . . ' His words faded away as the old lady again
raised her lorgnon and gazed at him calmly. She went on:

'You know, my dear, it won't be even out of my way, as I have to call at
Mr. Malpas's office, and I can go there from the hotel in Regent Street.'
This was all news to Stephen. She did not know that her aunt had
intended going to London; and indeed she did not know of any business
with Mr. Malpas, whose firm had been London solicitor to the Rowlys for
several generations. She had no doubt, however, as to the old lady's
intention. It was plain to her that she wanted to help. So she thanked
her sweetly. Leonard could say nothing. He seemed to be left completely
out of it. When Stephen rose, as a hint to him that it was time for him
to go, he said humbly, as he left:

'Would it be possible that I should have the receipt before Monday
evening? I want to show it to my father.'

'Certainly!' said the old lady, answering him. 'I shall be back by the
two o'clock train; and if you happen to be at the railway station at
Norcester when I arrive I can give it to you!'

He went away relieved, but vindictive; determined in his own mind that
when he had received the money for the rest of the debts he would see
Stephen, when the old lady was not present, and have it out with her.

CHAPTER XIX--A LETTER

On Monday evening after dinner Mr. Evera