Then, having resettled himself, he clapped his hands together smartly
and ordered the servant who answered the summons to bring in coffee and
pipes.
Gregorio was rather overawed at the luxury he saw around him, and he
felt the stern-looking, polite old man would be a difficult person to
deal with. As he puffed at his tube he considered carefully what words
he should use.
For some time neither spoke, but Amos was the first to break the
silence.
"You heard I was at your house last night, and so have come to pay me?"
"Yes, I heard you were at my house and that you wanted to be paid. You
are a rich man, and I am poor."
"Nay, I am not rich; they lie who say I am rich."
"It is twenty pounds I owe you, is it not?"
"Yes, twenty pounds. It is a large sum, and I have dealt generously with
you. I am now in need of it myself."
"I am a poor man."
"You have not the money, eh, my friend?"
"I have not the money. But I will pay you if you will lend me some more.
I shall be successful now; only twenty pounds more."
Amos appeared unmoved at the tremor in Gregorio's voice.
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