“I told him that I was examining the lady’s
ear-rings, as very remarkable,” replied I.
“You appear to be able to deceive everybody
but me, my good fellow. I know that you were
examining the lady herself.” I left the
Major in his error, by making no reply.
I borrow money upon
my estate, and upon very favourable terms.
When I came down to breakfast the next morning, the
Major said, “My dear Newland, I have taken the
liberty of requesting a very old friend of mine to
come and meet you this morning. I will not disguise
from you that it is Emmanuel, the money-lender.
Money you must have until my affairs are decided,
one way or the other; and, in this instance, I will
most faithfully repay the sum borrowed, as soon as
I receive the amount of my bets, or am certain of
succeeding to the title, which is one and the same
thing.”
I bit my lips, for I was not a little annoyed; but
what could be done? I must have either confessed
my real situation to the Major, or have appeared to
raise scruples, which, as the supposed heir to a large
fortune, would have appeared to him to be very frivolous.
I thought it better to let the affair take its chance.
“Well,” replied I, “if it must be,
it must be: but it shall be on my own terms.”
“Nay,” observed the Major, “there
is no fear but that he will consent, and without any
trouble.”
After a moment’s reflection I went up stairs
and rang for Timothy. “Tim,” said
I, “hear me; I now make you a solemn promise,
on my honour as a gentleman, that I will never borrow
money upon interest, and until you release me from
it, I shall adhere to my word.”
“Very well, sir,” replied Timothy; “I
guess your reason for so doing, and I expect you will
keep your word. Is that all?”
“Yes; now you may take up the urn.”
We had finished our breakfast, when Timothy announced
Mr Emmanuel, who followed him into the room.
“Well, old cent per cent, how are you?”
said the Major. “Allow me to introduce
my most particular friend, Mr Newland.”
“Auh! Master Major,” replied the
descendant of Abraham, a little puny creature, bent
double with infirmity, and carrying one hand behind
his back, as if to counterbalance the projection of
his head and shoulders. “You vash please
to call me shent per shent. I wish I vash able
to make de monies pay that. Mr Newland, can I
be of any little shervice to you?”
“Sit down, sit down, Emmanuel. You have
my warrant for Mr Newland’s respectability,
and the sooner we get over the business the better.”
“Auh, Mr Major, it ish true, you was recommend
many good—no, not always good—customers
to me, and I was very much obliged. Vat can I
do for your handsome young friend? De young gentlemen
always vant money; and it is de youth which is de
time for de pleasure and enjoyment.”
