“Fully determined,” answered Riah, as he read his master’s face, and learnt the book.
“Not at all caring for, and indeed as it seems to me rather enjoying,” said Fledgeby, with peculiar unction, “the precious kick-up and row that will come off between Mr. Twemlow and the said great party?”
This required no answer, and received none. Poor Mr. Twemlow, who had betrayed the keenest mental terrors since his noble kinsman loomed in the perspective, rose with a sigh to take his departure. “I thank you very much, sir,” he said, offering Fledgeby his feverish hand. “You have done me an unmerited service. Thank you, thank you!”
“Don’t mention it,” answered Fledgeby. “It’s a failure so far, but I’ll stay behind, and take another touch at Mr. Riah.”
“Do not deceive yourself Mr. Twemlow,” said the Jew, then addressing him directly for the first time. “There is no hope for you. You must expect no leniency here. You must pay in full, and you cannot pay too promptly, or