human
Mr. Musgrove, I am a comparative stranger to you, and you are to me; but I am always concerned for the welfare of honest and good citizens. Now, I would like you to succeed in trade as well as anybody else, and I hope you will; but you know it is difficult for a man in your business to get along if it is ever rumoured that he makes short weight and measure, and takes advantage of children and ignorant persons.
gpt
What do you mean, Mr. Eadie?
human
I will tell you, Mr. Musgrove. Now, I hope you will not think that I am the inventor of what I am about to tell you, or that I even _believe_ it, for I have no reason for doing so.
gpt
What is it, Mr. Eadie? What is it?
human
I would not dream of telling you, if I did not desire that you might stand well before the public and your customers in particular.
gpt
That is what I am anxious to do; and what I am always studying to do; and I never yet had any fears about the matter.
human
Nor have I, Mr. Musgrove; but it is said that you make short weight and measure.
gpt
This is the first time that ever anything of the kind came to my ears since I have been in business,
human
The thing has been told me by several individuals; and I fear the report is going the round of the village, much to your injury.
gpt
I am exceedingly sorry for it. But, Mr. Eadie, I must know the name of the party who has thus suffered from my dishonesty. I must trace this matter out, for my honour and happiness are dependent upon it. I scorn such a thing in the very thought.
human
Yes, and it is said to have been in connection with a little child, too, and that makes the thing so much the worse.
gpt
Well, now, Mr. Eadie, I must know the name of the party,
human
I feel considerable reluctance to give names,
gpt
You need not fear of being involved in any unpleasantness,
human
So far as that goes, you know, I have no fear. But if you must know, I will tell you. It is in connection with the family of Bakers.
gpt
Is it possible! exclaimed Mr. Musgrove.
human
Do you know, Mr. Eadie, that I and that family are on the most friendly terms. We visit each other often; and they are most regular and frequent customers of mine. I can hardly believe, Mr. Eadie, that there is any truth in the report.
gpt
I hope it may not be true, but it is strange so many should talk about it, if it were not. But I have no interest in telling you of this, I do it for your good.
human
Thank you, thank you, Mr. Eadie.
gpt
Strange, thought he to himself,
human
He continued the subject of considerable emotion and anxiety. He informed his wife of the matter; but she did not credit the first word. She was of different temper to him. He was very anxious during the night, and slept little. How could he, when his character for probity was implicated, and his business was likely to suffer? The first opportunity he had he went to see Mrs. Baker, to inquire into the facts of the case. She was glad to see him. Upon the statement of the story, as told by Eadie, she was amazed, and exceedingly grieved. After a brief pause, she said to Mr. Musgrove,
gpt
I think I can tell you how the matter originated. My little girl went to your shop the other day for two pounds of butter, and when she brought it home, Miss Nancy, who is rather given to suspicion, thought the butter didn't weigh two pounds, so she at once weighed it, and found that the weight was perfectly right. Mrs. Allchin called in the day after, and in conversation I happened to mention the circumstance to her. I ought to have known better; for I seldom tell her anything of the kind, because I know her gossiping humour. Mrs. Allchin and Eadie, who you say told you about it, are very intimate friends; I have no doubt she informed him in her way of exaggeration and wonder; and then he would tell you in his own peculiar way, which is far from being a way of truthfulness. If you knew him as well as I do, you would not have heard his tale at all; and I am sure you would not have been disturbed in your mind by it, because you would not have believed him. And as to the tale being circulated through the village, that may be partly true; for when anything gets into Mrs. Allchin's or Eadie's hands, it spreads like wildfire; but you may rest assured that no one will believe it, when it is known to come from either the one or the other. Do not be alarmed, Mr Musgrove, neither your character nor business will suffer. You stand as high as ever you did with us, and with everybody else, for aught I know. I am exceedingly sorry that the thing should have occurred.