When, at last, he was fit to do so, he had uttered broken words
of gratitude, really touched at her kindness, and frightfully ashamed of
himself.
Lying there, wide awake, in the darkness and utter stillness of
Beechfield village, Enid Crofton reminded herself that she had treated
Piper very well. In memory of the master whom he had served she had also
given him, before selling off her husband's kennel, two prize-winners.
But it is sometimes a mistake to be too kind, for on receiving this last
generous gift the man had hinted that with a little capital he could set
up dog-breeding for himself! She had had to tell him, sadly but firmly,
that she could not help him to any ready money, and Piper had been what
she now vaguely described to herself as "very nice" about it, though
obviously disappointed.
At the end of their little chat, however, he had said something which had
made her feel rather uncomfortable:--"I was wondering, ma'am, whether
Major Radmore might perhaps be inclined for a little speculation? I
wouldn't mind paying, say, up to ten per cent, if 'e'd oblige me with
a loan of five hundred pounds."
She had been astonished at the suggestion--astonished and unpleasantly
taken aback.
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