Suggs knew how to give, would be a sore humiliation; besides, it was very
doubtful whether Mr. Suggs could make any use of the cheque himself. To
whom else could he apply? Literally, to no one in London.
'Well, the first thing to do was to answer Mrs. Weare's letter. He lit his
lamp and sat down at the crazy little deal table; but his pen dipped
several times into the ink before he found himself able to write.
'Dear Mrs. Weare,'--
Then, so long a pause that he seemed to be falling asleep. With a jerk, he
bent again to his task.
'With sincere gratitude I acknowledge the receipt of your most kind
and generous donation. The money...'
(Again his hand lay idle for several minutes.)
'shall be used as you wish, and I will render to you a detailed
account of the benefits conferred by it.'
Never had he found composition so difficult. He felt that he was expressing
himself wretchedly; a clog was on his brain. It cost him an exertion of
physical strength to conclude the letter. When it was done, he went out,
purchased a stamp at a tobacconist's shop, and dropped the envelope into
the post.
Little slumber had Mr. Tymperley that night. On lying down, he began to
wonder where he should find the poor people worthy of sharing in this
benefaction.
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