“Yes, sir, I have no doubt of it.”
“You know there are many impostors, who live by working on the sympathies of the benevolent?”
“Yes, sir; but in this case I have no hesitation at all. I am sure Mr. Talbot and the little girl deserve help.”
“In that case,” said the merchant, “I am willing to do something for them.”
He drew from his pocket a ten-dollar bill and handed it to Gilbert.
“It may be best,” he suggested, “not to give them this money all at once, but a dollar or two at a time, in order to insure its careful use.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Gilbert, joyfully; “this money will be like a fortune to them. I will see that your wishes are carried out.”
“Papa,” said Fred, “may I give Gilbert my five-dollar gold piece for the little girl and her father?”
“Not at present, Fred; though I am glad you feel like offering it. When this money is expended, Gilbert will let us know, and then we will see what else is to be done.”
“You are a dear, good boy, to offer the money,” said Laura, giving her brother an unexpected kiss; “you have got a good heart, though you don’t always keep your face and hands clean.”