CREDITOR MERCILESSNESS
The unknown creditor is described as merciless, causing distress to Caroline and her husband, who express relief at his death and hope that his successor will be less harsh.
UNKNOWN CREDITOR
'We are quite ruined?' 'No. There is hope yet, Caroline.' 'If _he_ relents,' she said, amazed, 'there is! Nothing is past hope, if such a miracle has happened.' 'He is past relenting,' said her husband. 'He is dead.' 'To whom will our debt be transferred?' 'I don't know. But, before that time, we shall be ready with the money; and even though we were not, it would be bad fortune indeed to find so merciless a creditor in his successor. We may sleep to-night with light hearts, Caroline!'