A short reckoning is the speedy settlement of an account.
The commune prouerbe is that ofte rekenynge holdest longe felawship.
[1530 R. Whitforde Work for Householders A4]
Oft compting makes good friends.
[1641 D. Fergusson Scottish Proverbs (STS) no. 668]
Short reckonings (we say) make long friends.
[1673 J. Dare Counsellor Manners xciii.]
There must be no nonsense about the wedding. ‥Just marry her off, and take her home. Short reckonings make long friends.
[1842 S. Lover Handy Andy viii.]
Short reckonings make long friends. I'll have a couple of hundred francs now.
[1918 Baroness Orczy Man in Grey 15]
Related to: business; punctuality
Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.
