The million pound banknote

I said, with some diffidence 'It would be an accommodation to me if you could wait some days for the money. I haven't any small change about me.'

The fellow worked up a most sarcastic expression of countenance, and said 'Oh, you haven't? Well, of course, I didn't expect it. I'd only expect gentlemen like you to carry large change.'

I was nettled, and said 'My friend, you shouldn't judge a stranger always by the clothes he wears. I am quite able to pay for this suit; I simply didn't wish to put you to the trouble of changing a large note.'

He modified his style a little at that, and said, though still with something of an air 'I didn't mean any particular harm, but as long as rebukes are going, I might say it wasn't quite your affair to jump to the conclusion that we couldn't change any note that you might happen to be carrying around. On the contrary, we can.'

I handed the note to him, and said 'Oh, very well; I apologize.'

Vocabulary:

Diffidence: Being shy and polite
Accommodation: Here it means a favour
Small change: Normally this means coins
Countenance: Face
Nettled: Irritated
Air: Here is means 'an annoying attitude'
Rebuke: Pointing out that someone has done wrong
Your affair: Your business
Jump to the conclusion: Decide without knowing the facts
On the contrary: Completely the opposite