“I do, ma,” said Imogene.
“Right, my daughter,” said her mother approvingly.
Tom looked at Imogene attentively, but made no comment. He expressed no surprise, for he felt none.
“If you were about to remain in Plympton,” said Mrs. Davenport, “I should feel compelled to say that my son and daughter could no longer associate with you on terms of equality.”
“It is fortunate that I am going then,” said Tom. “I really don’t think I could live in Plympton if I were deprived of their society.”
“You might see us occasionally if you became our stable-boy,” said James.
“Thank you,” said Tom, “but I must decline. I am afraid you would want to borrow all my wages.”
“You are impertinent,” said James angrily.
“So are you,” said Tom with spirit.
“Hush, James!” said his father. “Such discussion is unseemly. In regard to these sums you have lent my son, Thomas,” he proceeded, “I should be justified in refusing to repay them, since they were lent to a minor, who, in the eyes of the law, has no right to contract debts.”