“But, Mr. Briggs,” said Gilbert, “I shall be able to pay part of my board. I do not wish to be such a burden to you.”
“Say no more about it,” said his guardian, hastily, “I insist upon that arrangement.”
“But, sir, I shall want sometime to repay you for the money you spend on me.”
“When you are a rich man, I will permit you to do so. Till then, think nothing of it.”
“I am at least very grateful to you for your kindness,” said Gilbert.
For some reason Mr. Briggs seemed uncomfortable whenever Gilbert spoke of gratitude, and tried to drop the subject.
“Randolph spoke of calling to see you this evening,” he said. “Shall you be at home?”
“Yes, sir, I shall be glad to have him come.”
Gilbert was rather astonished at such a mark of attention on the part of the young aristocrat, but determined to treat him cordially, for his father’s sake.