“I find,” proceeded Nathan, “that one-seventh of twenty dollars is two dollars and eighty-six cents. I will, therefore, hand you fourteen cents, and that will make us square.”
Tom’s lip curled, for he fully appreciated Mr. Middleton’s meanness.
“Never mind about the change,” he said. “Keep the three dollars.”
“I am quite ready to pay you the fourteen cents,” said Nathan.
“It’s of no consequence. Keep it to remember me by.”
“I shall remember you, Thomas,” said Mr. Middleton, whose heart was touched by the unexpected gift. “I am really sorry that circumstances are to separate us.”
“No doubt you’ll miss my money,” thought Tom; but it was his rule to treat others as they treated him, and he answered politely:
“I should prefer to have kept my money, but I must take things as they come.”
“You may get a part of your money back; if you do, I shall be happy to receive you back into my family on the same terms.”
“I can’t tell what my plans will be,” said Tom, who could not pretend that he wished to return. “If I should desire to return, I will write to you.”