His replies, however, were reassuring. The house was
still to let. It was not quite the quarter yet, but I
could enter into possession. I must sign an agreement to
take it for one year, and it was usual to pay a quarter's
rent in advance.
I don't know whether I turned colour a little.
"In advance!" I said, as carelessly as I could.
"It is usual."
"Or references?"
"Well, that depends, of couse{sic}, upon the
references."
"Not that it matters much," said I. (Heaven forgive
me!) "Still, if it is the same to the firm, I may as
well pay by the quarter, as I shall do afterwards."
"What names did you propose to give?" he asked.
My heart gave a bound, for I knew that all was right.
My uncle, as you know, won his knighthood in the
Artillery, and though I have seen nothing of him, I knew
that he was the man to pull me out of this tight corner.
"There's my uncle, Sir Alexander Munro, Lismore
House, Dublin," said I. "He would be happy to answer any
inquiry, and so would my friend Dr. Cullingworth of
Bradfield."
I brought him down with both barrels. I could see it
by his eyes and the curve of his back.
"I have no doubt that that will be quite
satisfactory," said he. "Perhaps you would kindly sign
the agreement."
I did so, and drew my hind foot across the Rubicon.
The die was cast. Come what might, 1 Oakley Villas was
on my hand for a twelve-month.
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