The Argosy — page 100: what you’re looking at

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88 Edina. “I hope and trust he did not see me!” ’ But Mr. Huddles did see him. Mr, Huddles came 2 up with a long stride, and was inside the house almost as soon as Charley was. Charley could not pretend to be blind then. He stood just within Esther Jetty’s sitting-room ; and the applicant stood in the passage facing him. “T called at Eagles’ Nest to-day, Mr. Charles Raynor, and could Not see you. You know of course what it was I wanted?” Charles was taken to. What with the unpleasantness of the surprise, what with the consciousness of the helpless state of his finances, and what with the proximity of Miss Esther Jetty’s eyes and ears, raised in curiosity, he was turning frightfully cross. A few sharp, haughty words greeted Huddles, apparently causing him astonishment. This applica- tion concerned one of the two “bills” given by Charley; the ofe on which no proceedings had as yet been taken. “Can you meet that bill, Mr. Charles Raynor?” “No, I can't,” replied Charles. ‘I wrote you word that I would meet it as soon as I could; that bill and the other also; and so I will You must wait.” “For how long, Mr. Raynor? It is inconvenient to wait.” Charles flew into a passion. But for Esther Jetty’s presence, he would have managed much better; that of course behoved him to carry matters with a high hand, and he showered some abuse on Mr. Huddles in haughty language, forgetful of diplomacy. Mr. Huddles, not at all the right sort of man to be dealt with in this manner, repaid him in his own coin. Had Charles met him civilly, he would have been civil; ay, and forbearing. The bills—he held them both—had only come into his hands in the course of business. He was really respectable, both as a man and a tradesman, not accustomed to be spoken to in such a fashion, and most certainly in this instance not deserving to be. His temper rose. A short, sharp storm of words ensued, and Mr. Huddles went out of the house in anger, leaving a promise behind him. ‘IT have been holding the two bills over for you, Mr. Charles Raynor, and staying proceedings out of consideration for you and at your request. And this is the gratitude I get! The affair is none of mine, as you know; and what I have done has been simply out of good nature, for I was sorry to see so young a man in danger of ex- posure, perhaps of a debtors’ prison. I will not delay the proceedings another day. The bills shall pass out of my hands, and you must do the best you can for yourself.” While Charles stood, knitting his brow and looking very foolish, staring at the front door, which still vibrated with the bang Mr. Huddles gave it, and not half liking to turn round to face Esther Jetty, the parlour door in front of him on the other side the passage comicbooks.com