As it is, I am a happy man; my wife is
happy. We pay our debts to the last farthing, and we begin the world
again--with three pounds to the good. Our furniture must go; I cannot
redeem it; no matter. I owe nothing; our honour is saved!'
Miss Shepperson was aghast.
'But, Mrs. Rymer,' she began, 'this is dreadful! What are you going to do?'
'Everything is arranged, dear friend,' Mrs. Rymer replied. 'My husband has
a little post in Birmingham, which will bring him in just enough to support
us in the most modest lodgings. We cannot hope to have a house of our own,
for we are determined never again to borrow--and, indeed, I do not know who
would lend to us. We are poor people, and must live as poor people do. Miss
Shepperson, I ask one favour of you. Will you permit us to leave your house
without the customary notice? We should feel very grateful. To-day I pay
Susan, and part with her; to-morrow we must travel to Birmingham. The
furniture will be removed by the people who take possession of it--'
Miss Shepperson was listening with a bewildered look. She saw Mr. Rymer
stand up.
'I will now,' he said, 'pay you the rent from the day--'
'Oh, Mr. Rymer!' cried the agitated woman.
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