Pass me that paper, and don't disturb me any more by your talking." As Mr Ratman, very well satisfied with his day's business, strolled serenely back through the park that afternoon, he was surprised to hear light footsteps behind him, and, on turning, to discover that his pursuer, of all people, was Miss Rosalind Oliphant.
"Hullo!" said he, "this is flattering, with a vengeance." "Mr Ratman, I want to speak to you, please," said Rosalind, very pale and nervous.
"Excuse me," said he, "that's not my name; my name is Roger Ingleton.
What's the matter ?" "It's about my father.

Have you seen him ?" "Just left the dear man." "He says he owes you money, and that you threaten to ruin him.

Is that so ?" "Upon my word, if you want to know, it is." "How much is it, please ?" Ratman laughed.
"Nothing.

A trifle.

Fifteen hundred pounds or thereabouts." "Fifteen hundred!" faltered she.