It was the same calculation which she herself had so often made,
but with interest on the money due to her correctly computed. The weekly
sum of fifteen shillings for board and lodging had been deducted,
throughout the whole time, from the rent due to her as landlady. Mr. Rymer
stood her debtor for not quite thirty pounds.
'It's _quite_ correct,' said Miss Shepperson, handing back the paper with a
pleased smile.
Mr. Rymer turned to his wife.
'And what do _you_ say, dear? Do _you_ think it correct?'
Mrs. Rymer shook her head.
'No,' she answered gently, 'indeed I do not.'
Miss Shepperson was startled. She looked from one to the other, and saw on
their faces only the kindliest expression.
'I really thought it came to about that,' fell from her lips. 'I couldn't
quite reckon the interest--'
'Miss Shepperson,' said Mr. Rymer impressively, 'do you really think that
we should allow you to pay us for your board and lodging--you, our valued
friend--you, who have toiled for us, who have saved us from endless trouble
and embarrassment? That indeed would be a little too shameless. This
account is a mere joke--as I hope you really thought it. I insist on giving
you a cheque for the total amount of the rent due to you from the day when
you first entered this house.
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