"That is sufficient excuse. Your first duty is to her. Wait a moment. I must express my acknowledgments to you in a substantial manner."
Mr. Gilbert sat down at his desk and wrote a check, which he inclosed in an envelope.
"Open it when you get home," he said.
"I have a balance of about forty dollars belonging to you, Mr. Gilbert, from my expense money."
"Keep it. I am sure it will be more useful to you than to me."
"How kind you are, Mr. Gilbert!"
"I hope to continue so. Take a few days for rest, and then come round to my counting-room and we will talk of your future prospects."
Mrs. Mason gave Mark a glad welcome.
"I am so glad to see you," she said.
"I hope you did not want for money while I was gone."