"It's very strange," mused Mrs. Parkes; "she promised me three weeks ago that she'd pay me what was owing."
Harry put his hand in his pocket and brought out a roll of bank notes.
"Here, mother, I'm going to pay that bill. When she gives you the money you can pay me back. I don't want you to mention it to her. Will you promise me?"
Mrs. Parkes looked fondly at her son.
"Is it as bad as all that?" she said.
Harry looked sheepishly down at the carpet.
"Yes—I'm—I'm a goner this time——" he murmured.
"Well," exclaimed Mrs. Parkes, with a laugh, "your father never would have done that. No, Harry, I won't take your money. I can wait. Food is dear, rent is high, and times are hard, but I can wait——"
The young man bounded forward and again threw his arms around her.
"You know, mother, that's what I like about you. You're barking all the time, but you never bite."