"You don't mean to say," said Jack, "you're going to let yourself be
taken in by that stuff?"
"But unless he means what he says, what possible motive can he have for
writing a letter like that?"
Jack did not answer. We did not discuss the matter further, but I went
down to the office that morning with the letter in my pocket, heartily
wishing I could make up my mind what to think of it all as easily as
Jack Smith.
One thing, at any rate, was a comfort--I should not see Hawkesbury for
two days.
But if I was to be spared the sight of one unwelcome person, I had in
store for me another which I little expected. I was coming with Jack
out of the office on the second evening afterwards, after a hard day's
work, wondering why my uncle did not write, and sighing inwardly at the
prospect of seeing Hawkesbury back next day, when a stranger accosted me
in the street.
At least, I thought him a stranger until, standing full in front of him,
I saw his face and heard him speak.
"Oh, good evening, Mr Batchelor, sir! The governor's compliments,
sir--Mr Shoddy's compliments--and he'll be particularly glad if you'll
step round now, sir."
I owed Shoddy three pounds, and this summons fell on my ear like a
knell.
"Better go," said Jack.
How sick Jack must be of me, thought I, by this time. Ever since I had
been back with him he had been for ever worried either with my health or
my debts or my office rows. I was half tempted to ask him not to come,
but I could not bring myself to be sufficiently self-denying.
"What does Mr Shoddy want me for?" I asked of the assistant as we
walked along.
"I believe, sir, between ourselves, it's about your little account, sir.
How do the clothes wear, sir? Nice stuff that tweed we made them of.
Could do you a very nice suit of the same now, sir, dirt cheap. Two
fifteen to you, and measure the coat. We should charge three guineas to
any one else."
It occurred to me to wonder why so great exception should be made in my
favour, especially as I had owed my present bill so long. However, we
let the fellow rattle on at his shoppy talk, and soon arrived at Mr
Shoddy's ready-made clothes establishment.
I felt rather like a criminal being brought up before a judge than a
customer before the tailor of his patronage.
"Good evening, Mr Batchelor," said the tailor. "Take a seat, sir."