The Brisker Rov once lent a man a not-inconsiderable amount of money. When the time for repayment arrived, the man did not have the money and was ashamed to come to the Rov for an extension. He avoided him for some time but since the Brisker Rov never mentioned it again, he assumed the Rov had forgotten. He relaxed and waited until he was able to repay the loan.
When that time came, he approached the Brisker Rov with a slightly sheepish smile on his face. “I’m sure the Rov doesn’t remember,” he said “but a while ago you lent me money, and I am here to repay the loan.”
“Not remember?!” exclaimed the sage. “Of course, I remembered. There are two ways to walk from my home to the Bais HaMidrash. The shorter way gets me there faster but takes me past your house, while the longer way is quite circuitous but does not pass your home.
Since the day I lent you the money, I have taken the longer way so as to avoid the issur of appearing demanding. I went out of my way to make you comfortable in borrowing the money and thus lend properly. I did not forget about the money, but neither did I forget about you.”
