"The butter and sugar are out, Mark."
"Give me the five-dollar bill, then, mother, and I will buy some."
Shortly after dinner Mark started for the store. On the way he met several persons who condoled with him on his loss of place. They were surprised to find that Mark looked cheerful, and even gay.
"Yes," he said, "I've retired from the shoe business on a fortune."
"You don't seem to mind it!"
"No, I can stand it well enough, but I pity Squire Collins for losing my valuable services."
"I thought you'd be down in the mouth. You don't seem to care."
"Why should I? Care killed a cat."
Arrived at the store, Mark stepped up to the counter and called for two pounds of sugar and two pounds of butter.
Mr. Palmer, the grocer, had heard of Mark's dismissal, and being a cautious man, inquired: