Mr. Prescott thought that Billy said, “I shall feel better” because his conscience was troubling him. He looked down at Billy’s new shoes.
“New shoes,” he said rather gruffly.
It didn’t sound a bit like Mr. Prescott.
Billy wanted to tell him how long Aunt Mary had been saving up money to buy those shoes, but he had been practicing so hard on keeping his lips shut that he didn’t say anything.
“Take your envelope,” said Mr. Prescott.
After Billy had started for the door, Mr. Prescott added:
“I rather think that the firm can stand a pair of shoes.”
Billy’s back was toward him. Perhaps, if he had been looking right at Billy, he wouldn’t have said it; but say it he did.
Billy didn’t, just then, take it in. He said, “Good-bye, Mr. Prescott,” as he always did when he went home.
Miss King’s keys kept going—clickety-clickety-click.