"Certainly not, Robert. It was not your fault that the boat was injured."
"It wouldn't have happened if I had not borrowed it. It isn't right that the expense should fall on you."
"Don't trouble yourself about that, Robert. I am able and willing to pay it. It is very honorable in you to make the offer, and I like you the better for having made it. Won't you need any of this money for present expenses?"
"Perhaps I had better take the thirty-five dollars. Mother may be in want of something."
Robert received back the sum named, and returned home, much pleased with his interview.
About seven o'clock, sitting at the window of the little cottage, he saw Hester Paine opening the front gate. He sprang to his feet and opened the door.
"Good-evening, Robert," she said. "Is your mother at home?"
"Yes, Hester. Won't you come in?"
"Thank you, Robert. Father has been telling me what a hero you were, and it made me feel proud that you were a friend of mine."
Robert's face lighted with pleasure.