“Not compared with the loss of my uncle’s affections.”
“Money is a great deal more practical than affection.”
“Perhaps so, from your standpoint, Mr. Bolton,” said Florence, with dignity.
“No offense, miss. When you’ve lived as long as I, you’ll look at things different. Well, I’m glad to hear from the lad. If Curtis had done him any harm, I’d have got even with him if it sent me to jail.”
A quiet, determined look replaced Tim Bolton’s usual expression of easy good humor. He could not have said anything that would have ingratiated him more with Florence.
“Thank you, Mr. Bolton,” she said, earnestly. “I shall always count upon your help. I believe you are a true friend of Dodger——”
“And of yours, too, miss——”
“I believe it,” she said, with a smile that quite captivated Tim.
“If it would be any satisfaction to you, Miss Florence,” he continued, “I’ll give Curtis Waring a lickin’. He deserves it for persecutin’ you and gettin’ you turned out of your uncle’s house.”
“Thank you, Mr. Bolton; it wouldn’t be any satisfaction to me to see Curtis injured in any way.”