Long outstanding bills had been paid, and in as matter-of-fact manner as if they had not been sent in and ignored, in some cases for years.

The settlement of Joe Buttle's account sent him to bed at the day's end almost light-headed.

To become suddenly the possessor of thirty-seven pounds, fifteen and tenpence half-penny, of which all hope had been lost three years ago, was almost too much for any man.

Six pounds, eight pounds, ten pounds, came into places as if sovereigns had been sixpences, and shillings farthings.

More than one cottage woman, at the sight of the hoarded wealth in her staring goodman's hand, gulped and began to cry.