Before he left, Aunt William pressed a sovereign into his hand guiltily, as if it were conscience money. He, on his side, took it as though it were a doctor's fee, and both ignored the transaction.

Summary

This quote suggests a transaction that takes place between Aunt William and an unidentified person before the person leaves. The act of Aunt William giving a sovereign (a British gold coin) to the person is described as guiltily, suggesting that she feels a sense of wrongdoing. On the other hand, the person receiving the coin takes it merely as a doctor's fee, demonstrating a mutual understanding to overlook the moral implications or significance of this exchange.

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