hen you were so hustled.
It's too good of you!" cried Cornelia, eagerly, her heart warming to
the little man for a promptitude in money matters which reminded her of
her own beloved Poppar. "Of course it's all right!" She cast a casual
glance over the cheque, and broke into a surprised laugh. "It isn't,
though! You've paid me too much! I guess I'm not a usurer, to want
interest for a single night. It was only two hundred that I lent!"

Mr Moffatt gave an exclamation of irritation.

"And I have made it out for two hundred and fifty! How very annoying!
I have advised it to the bank, too, and sent off the letter. I wanted
to get through with as much business as possible this morning. The more
hurry the less speed! Why on earth could you not give me the right
figures, Gertrude?"

He turned upon his wife with an expression of querulous anger, which she
treated with her usual cool disdain.

"I _did_ tell you, Silas--but, for the land's sake, don't make a fuss!
It's simple enough, Cornelia can give me the change in notes, and it
will do to pay up one or two odd accounts before we leave. You won't
mind, dear, I know; and, see here! I'm fairly rattled this morning, and
I want you to help me through. I've written out a list of errands that
ought to be done right away, as soon as you've gotten through breakfast.
The particulars are down on this list, and I'd be for ever obliged.
You ought to get through before one, if you start soon, so meet me at
Buzzard's and we'll have lunch together. In case I should be late,
don't wait, but just order for yourself, and allow half an hour to get
to Paddington. If I'm delayed, I'll go straight there, and look out for
you on our platform."

"That'll be all right. I'll stay till you come," Cornelia assented.
She had already opened the gold chain bag which hung by her side, and
was smoothing-out a roll of notes. "Two fives, two tens; I guess that's
all I can do this morning! I'll give you the rest to-night."

"Oh, my, yes; there's no hurry. Thank you, dear; much obliged!" said
Mrs Moffatt, lightly, but her expression altered as she spoke.
Cornelia wondered if she were imagining a look of disappointment. It
_must_ be imagination, for of what importance were a trumpery hundred
dollars to a woman who daily squandered many times the amount on her own
adornment!

After the Moffatts had departed, Cornelia ate her breakfast, and set out
in a hansom to accomplish Mrs Moffatt's