"Now, Major, take this sheet of paper and draw a note of hand."
I looked at his aunt inquiringly. She nodded her head in assent.
"Yes, if it pleases George."
I began with the usual form, entering the words "I promise to pay,"
and stopped for instructions.
"Payable when, Colonel?" I asked.
"As soon as I get the money, suh."
"But you will do that anyhow, George."
"Yes, I know, Nancy; but I want to settle it in some safe way."
Then he gazed at the ceiling in deep thought.
"I have it, Major!" And the colonel seized the pen. The note read as
follows:--
On demand I promise to pay Ann Carter the sum of six hundred dollars,
value received, with interest at the rate of six per cent, from January
1st.
Payable as soon as possible.
GEORGE FAIRFAX CARTER.
I looked to see what effect this unexpected influx of wealth would
produce on the dear lady; but the trustful smile never wavered.
She read to the very end the modest scrap of paper so suddenly enriched
by the colonel's signature, repeated in a whisper to herself "Payable
as soon as possible," folded it with as much care as if it had been
a Bank of England note, then thanked the colonel graciously, and tucked
it in her reticule.
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