“I will throw off the thirty seven cents,” said the principal magnanimously, “and give you back twelve dollars.”
“I would rather pay you the whole amount of your bill,” said Rodney.
“Ahem! Well perhaps that would be more business-like. So you don’t wish to part with any of the jewelry, Ropes?”
“No, sir.”
“I thought, perhaps, by way of helping you, I would take the earrings, and perhaps the necklace, off your hands and present them to Mrs. Sampson.”
Rodney shuddered with aversion at the idea of these precious articles, which had once belonged to his mother, being transferred to the stout and coarse featured consort of the principal.
“I think I would rather keep them,” he replied.
“Oh well, just as you please,” said Dr. Sampson with a shade of disappointment for he had no idea of paying more than half what the articles were worth. “If the time comes when you wish to dispose of them let me know.”
Rodney nodded, but did not answer in words.
“Of course, Ropes,” went on the doctor in a perfunctory way, “I am very sorry for you. I shall miss you, and, if I could afford it, I would tell you to stay without charge. But I am a poor man.”