Well, as it happened this book sold like wild-fire; and, in time the young lady comes to me and wants more money, wants to get out of the hanging clause in the agreement, wants everything, like a female Oliver Twist; and when I say, 'No, you don't,' loses her temper, and makes a scene.

And it turns out that what she wanted the money for was to take a sick sister, or cousin, or aunt, or someone, out of England; and when she could not do it, and the relation died, then she emigrates, and goes and tells the people on board ship that it is all my fault." "And I suppose that that is a conclusion that you do not feel drawn to, Mr.Meeson ?" "No Tombey, I don't.

Business is business; and if I happen to have got to windward of the young woman, why, so much the better for me.

She's getting her experience, that's all; and she ain't the first, and won't be the last.

But if she goes saying much more about me, I go for her for slander, that's sure." "On the legal ground that the greater the truth, the greater the libel, I presume ?" "Confound her!" went on Meeson, without noticing his remark, and contracting his heavy eyebrows, "there's no end to the trouble she has brought on me.