"You were very generous as it was, Miss Dearborn."
"Still I think it would have done her more good than the gentleman who so unceremoniously borrowed it."
"Miss Dearborn," said Paul, with a sudden reflection, "now that you have lost all your money, let me hand you back this gold piece."
And he offered her the quarter-eagle which she had given him for his little sister.
"Oh, no, there is no need that I should recall my gift," she said, shaking her head. "To be sure I am temporarily penniless, but my aunt will see that I don't want. Aunt Caroline, is my credit good with you?"
"To be sure, Grace," said the matronly lady whom she addressed.
"And you can certify that the loss of my purse won't embarrass me seriously?"
"I think not," said Mrs. Sheldon, "considering that you have an income of——"
Here she stepped discreetly, just as she was about to reveal an important secret.
"Say six hundred dollars a year," chimed in Grace, laughing. "You see, Paul," she continued, addressing our hero, "you need have no compunctions about keeping my gift to your sister. It won't entail any distressing economy."