“Well, Paul,” she said, “have you heard anything of the ring?”
“Yes, mother, it's sold.”
“Is it? Well, we must do without it, then,” said his mother in a tone of disappointment.
“There won't be any trouble about that, mother, as long as we have got the money for it. I would rather have that than the ring.”
“Did you recover it, then?” asked his mother, eagerly.
“Yes, mother—listen and I will tell you all about it.”
He sat down and told the story to two very attentive listeners.
“What did you do with the money, Paul?” asked Jimmy.
“Mr. Preston is keeping a hundred and fifty dollars for me. He will allow seven per cent. interest. But I must not forget that the money belongs to you, mother, and not to me. Perhaps you would prefer to deposit it in a savings bank.”
“I am quite satisfied with your disposal of it, Paul,” said Mrs. Hoffman. “I little thought, when I found the ring, that it would be of such service to us.”