“You’d better accept it now,” said Oscar. “Beggars shouldn’t be choosers.”
“I am not a beggar, Oscar,” said Joe mildly.
“You look like one, anyway,” said Oscar bluntly.
“Oscar,” said Major Norton, “if Joe has been unlucky, you shouldn’t throw it in his teeth.”
“He went off expecting to make his fortune,” said Oscar, in an exulting tone. “He looks as if he had made it. Where are you going?”
“I am going to look about the village a little. I will call again.”
After Joe went out Oscar said:
“It does me good to see Joe come in rags. Serves him right for putting on airs.”
On the main street Joe met Annie Raymond.
“Why, Joe!” she exclaimed, delighted. “Is it really you?”