His eyes were never removed from the boy's face for a moment.
"You know all the trouble you have caused?"
"Only too well," exclaimed the boy. "It was utter carelessness on my part. I would not have had it happen for the world! I—"
"You never returned the bill," interrupted Carlton.
"No; I forgot it. I changed my coat. The bill was in the inside pocket. I found it there tonight. I'm ready to pay the penalty. I'll resign my position if—"
"Barry—" began the Congressman.
"Yes, sir; yes, sir," cried the young page in his agitation, breaking into the other's remarks.
"Barry," resumed Carlton, in a voice that was singularly gentle, "you've already paid the penalty."
"Already paid it?"