As he blotted his signature he was conscious of a sudden pity for the manager.

The Montague girl had been hard--hard as nails, he thought--and Baird, a victim to his own good nature, would probably lose a great deal of money.

He resolved never to press his advantage over a man who had been caught in a weak moment.
"I just want to say, Mr.Baird," he began, "that you needn't be afraid I'll hold you to this paper if you find it's too much money to pay me.

I wouldn't have taken it at all if it hadn't been for her." He pointed an almost accusing finger at the girl.
Baird grinned; the girl patted his hand.

Even at grave moments she was a patter.