A day or two afterwards, Layton took possession of his new store,
and commenced arranging his goods. Grasper felt uneasy when he saw
the doors and windows open, and the goods arriving. He did not wish
to meet Layton. But this could not now be avoided. Much as he loved
money, and much as he had congratulated himself for the promptness
by which he had secured his debt, he now more than half wished that
he had been less stringent in his proceedings.

It was the custom of Grasper to come frequently to his door, and
stand with his thumbs in the arm-holes of his waistcoat, and look
forth with a self-satisfied air. But not once did he venture thus to
stand upon his own threshold on the day Layton commenced receiving
his goods. When business called him out, he was careful to step into
the street, so much turned away from the adjoining store, that he
could not see the face of any one who might be standing in the
entrance. On returning, he would glide along close to the houses,
and enter quickly his own door. By this carefulness to avoid meeting
his old debtor, Grasper managed not to come into direct contact with
him for some time. But this was not always to be the case. One day,
just as he was about entering his store, Layton came out of his own
door, and they met face to face.

"Ah! How are you, friend Layton?" he said, with an air of forced
cordiality, extending his hand as he spoke. "So you have become my
next-door neighbour?"

"Yes," was the quiet reply, made in a pleasant manner, and without
the least appearance of resentment for the past.

"I am really glad to find you are on your feet again," said Grasper,