She bobbed the tea-ball up and down in the saucepan by its chain, and watched how the hot water turned brown.
'But I did not give you a "business acknowledgment," as you call it,' she said thoughtfully.

'It's not quite truthful to say I did, you know.' 'Does that bother you?
All right.' He produced his well-worn pocket-book, found a scrap of white paper amongst the contents, and laid it on the leather.

Then he took his pencil and wrote a few words.
'Received of R.Van Torp L4100 to balance of account.' He held out the pencil, and laid the pocket-book on his palm for her to write.

She read the words with out moving.
'"To balance of account"-- what does that mean ?' 'It means that it's a business transaction.

At the time you couldn't make any further claim against me.