In fact, she did not feel as if she could endure the
delay and the uncertainty of a correspondence on the subject.
The morning of the second day after Antony's flight she was in London.
In business an Englishman throws over politeness. He says, "How do
you do?" very much as if he was saying, "Leave me alone;" and he is
not inclined to answer questions, save, by "yes" or "no." Elizabeth
perceived at once that tears or weakness would damage her cause, and
that the only way to meet Antony's wrong was to repair it, and to do
this in the plainest and simplest manner possible.
"I am Miss Hallam."
"Take a seat, Miss Hallam."
"You hold two notes of my brothers, one purporting to be drawn by Lord
Eltham for L9,000; the other by Squire Francis Horton for L9,600."
"Yes; why 'purporting?'"
"They are forgeries."
"My--! Miss Hallam, do you know what you are saying?"
"I do. My brother has left England. He is ruined."
"I told you, Page!" said Thorley, with much irritation; "but you would
believe the rascal."
Elizabeth colored painfully, and Mr. Thorley said, "You must excuse
me, Miss Hallam--"
"This is not a question for politeness, but business. I will pay the
bills. You know I am sole proprietor of Hallam."
"Yes."
"The case is this. If you suffer the notes to be protested, and the
law to take its course, you will get nothing.
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