"But why should the lad have sold his book?"
"Why, law, sir, you cannot expect boys of his class to appreciate books. I dare say he wanted his money to spend in tops or marbles, or some such traps!" replied the dealer.
"Very like, very like! though I am sorry to think so of that little fellow. I had hoped better things of him," assented Mr. Middleton.
"Law, sir, boys will be boys."
"Certainly; well, put the book in paper for me, and say what you are going to ask for it."
"Well, sir, it is as good as new, and the work is much called for just about now in this neighborhood. So I s'pose I shall have to ask you about three dollars."
"That is the full price. Did you give the boy that?" inquired the gentleman.
"Well, no, sir; but you know I must have my own little profit," replied the dealer, reddening.
"Certainly," assented Mr. Middleton, taking out his purse—a delicate, effeminate-looking article, that seemed to have been borrowed from his wife, paying Hamlin and carrying off the book.
As he got into the sleigh and took the reins with one hand, hugging up his parcels and his purse loosely to his breast with the other, Mrs. Middleton said: