"You are right," said Dick. "You'd better drive home yourself."
Nicholas took the reins, but it mortified him not a little to see the looks of wonder and amusement which he attracted as he passed through the village.
Dick laughed to himself.
"I rather think, my proud nephew, we're about even," he said to himself.
In the course of the next day Dick ventured to suggest to his sister that a temporary loan would be very acceptable.
"A loan!" she repeated, curling her lip. "Why not say 'gift' at once?"
"I'm willing to put it on that ground," said Dick, unabashed. "Still, I'll give you my note for the amount, if you say so."
"What good would that do?"
"Why, I've got some plans in view which, if successful, will enable me to repay you the money, with interest."
"I have small faith in the success of your plans, Richard."