The lad smiled, for Dick was a favorite with his father’s servants.
“I thought you’d like to have the note,” he answered, and added awkwardly: “Besides, I didn’t see you when you went.”
It was the first hint of kindness Dick had received since his disgrace and he took the lad’s hand before he gave him half a crown, though he knew that he must practise stern economy.
“Thank you and good-by, Jim. You must have taken some trouble to catch me,” he said.
Then he opened the envelope and his look softened.
“I heard of your misfortune and am very sorry, but something tells me that you are not to blame,” the note ran, and was signed “Clare Kenwardine.”
For a moment or two Dick was sensible of keen relief and satisfaction; and then his mood changed. This was the girl who had robbed and ruined him; she must think him a fool! Tearing up the note, he mounted his bicycle and rode off to the station in a very bitter frame of mind.