“He will be twenty in November,” answered Ebenezer, apparently puzzled by the question.
“Then, as he is so young, let us hope that he may see the error of his ways, and repent.”
“That won't bring me back my money,” objected Ebenezer, querulously. It was clear that he thought more of the money he had lost than of his son's lack of principle.
“No, it will not give you back your money, but it may give you back a son purified and prepared to take an honorable position in society.”
“No, no; he's bad, bad!” said the stricken father. “What did he care for the labor and toil it took to save up that money?”
“I hope the loss of the money will not distress you, Mr. Graham.”
“Well, no, not exactly,” said Ebenezer, hesitating. “I shall have to take some money from the savings bank to make up what that graceless boy has stolen.”
It was clear that Ebenezer Graham would not have to go to the poorhouse in consequence of his losses.
“I can hardly offer you consolation,” said George Melville, “but I suspect that you will not be called upon to pay any more money for your son.”
“I don't mean to!” said Ebenezer, grimly.