But he was exceedingly punctilious in all business matters.
Both these facts Ellis knew.

It would put the merchant to no inconvenience whatever to continue the accommodation for ten days longer; but the policy of asking this was felt to be a very questionable one, as it would be most likely to create in his mind a doubt of Ellis's standing, and a doubt in that quarter would be injurious.

Still, the case was so pressing, that Ellis determined to see him.

So, assuming a pleasant, partly unconcerned air, he called upon the merchant.
"Good morning, Mr.A--," said he, in a cheerful tone.
"Good morning, friend Ellis," returned the merchant, pushing his spectacles above his forehead, and fixing his eyes upon the face of his visitor, with a sharp, penetrating look which rather belied the smile that played about his lips.
"Let me see! Isn't it to-day that I am to return you the three hundred dollars borrowed last week ?" "I don't remember, but can tell you in a moment," replied A--, replacing his glasses, and taking from a pigeon-hole in the desk before which he sat a small memorandum-book.

After consulting this, he replied-- "Yes: you are right.