“If I hear of any similar position shall I mention your name?” asked Rodney, smiling.

“No; I could not take care of a kid. I hate them.”

“Still Arthur is a nice boy.”

“You are welcome to him. What do you have to teach?”

“He is studying Latin and French, besides English branches.”

“I know about as much of Latin and French as a cow. I couldn’t be a teacher. I say, Rodney,” and Jasper cleared his throat, “I want you to do me a favor.”

“What is it?”

“I want you to lend me ten dollars.”

Rodney was not mean, but he knew very well that a loan to Jasper would be a permanent one. Had Jasper been his friend even this consideration would not have inspired a refusal, but he knew very well that Jasper had not a particle of regard for him.

“I don’t think I can oblige you, Jasper,” he said.