Next day, when I returned from ’Change, Frits said somebody had been to see me. From the description it was the Shawlman. How had he found me? . . . well, yes, the address-card! It really made me think I would take my children away from school, for it’s just a bit too much, after twenty or thirty years, to be still pursued by a schoolmate who wears a shawl instead of a coat, and who does not know the time. Also, I have forbidden Frits to go to Westermarket when there are any booths.
The day after that I received a letter together with a large packet. I will let you read the letter:
“Dear Drystubble!”
I think he might just as well have said “Dear Mr. Drystubble,” as I am a broker.
“I was at your house yesterday, as I wished to ask you a favour. I believe you are in affluent circumstances! . . .
That is true: there are thirteen of us in the office.
“. . . and I should like to be allowed to use your credit in order to carry out a project which is of great importance to me.”
One really would think it was a question of an order for the Springsale!
“Through an unfortunate chain of circumstances I am at present somewhat in need of money.”
Somewhat? He hadn’t a shirt on. That’s what he calls “somewhat”!
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