“Out of friendship for my father, he told me,” said Gilbert.
“I should hardly have supposed that you would request such a thing of one not related to you.”
“I didn’t request it,” said Gilbert, coloring. “Mr. Briggs was kind enough to offer to do it. I accepted, on condition that I might hereafter repay him what money he should advance.”
“It is not very likely the money will ever be repaid,” said Mrs. Briggs, coldly.
“It will be repaid if I live,” said Gilbert, warmly.
“I have heard such promises before,” said the lady, contemptuously. “They are generally made to be broken.”
“Not in my case,” said Gilbert, flushing.
“I will not discuss the matter,” said Mrs. Briggs, coldly. “May I ask why you have introduced this subject?”
“Mr. Briggs gave me no notice that he intended to withdraw his assistance, and I accordingly went to the office yesterday, only to learn that he had gone to Europe, and left no message there. I thought he might possibly have spoken to you on the subject, and therefore I called. My board-bill, amounting to six dollars, is due to-night, and unfortunately I have no funds to meet it.”
“It must be rather humiliating for you to accept charity,” said Mrs. Briggs. “I don’t think my son would be willing to do it.”