"What?" exclaimed Bobolink, while a thrill of joy went through his frame; "is this true?"
"Hush! husband, dear, hush!" she continued; "I did as you told me, you know. I have brought and given back the lost money to its owner. You know you left it at home for me to take."
"Ah, Polly, I wish I could tell this fellow that," said Tom, laying his hand upon his heart; "but I did intend to give it back. I did, by all my hopes of happiness."
"I know you did, my dear Tom," replied Polly, earnestly. "Your true heart could not harbor a bad thought long."
"My good friend," said Travers, approaching the truckman. "Your wife has refused any reward for this honest act."
"She's right, sir, she's right," interrupted the other.
"At least you'll let me shake you by the hand, and proffer you my friendship?"
"I can't, Poll, I can't," said Tom, aside, to his wife. "I'm afraid—I'm half a scoundrel yet—I know I am; but I've learned a wholesome lesson, and while I have life I'll strive to profit by it."
Urged to it by Polly, he did, however, shake hands with Travers and his wife, just as old Sterling, his face shrouded in gloom, and Mrs. Grimgriskin, stiff and tigerish, entered the room.
"Ah, Sterling, my good old friend, rejoice with us—this honest fellow has found, and restored the money lost," said Travers, gaily; "but, how is this? you don't join in our gladness. Has that old rascal"——