“Yes, and others. Mr. and Mrs. Middleton are both as mean as they can well be. Notwithstanding the liberal board I paid, they tried to starve me at first, but I wouldn’t stand it, and they had to improve their fare.”
“Didn’t they express any sorrow at losing you?”
“Oh, they were sorry enough, but it was at losing the money. Then there was a lawyer’s family, who were very polite and attentive to me while I was rich; but as soon as they learned of my reverses, they tried to look down upon me, but they didn’t succeed very well,” said Tom, with satisfaction. “I gave them as good as they sent.”
“I’ll warrant that, Tom,” said Mr. Sharp, laughing. “You generally do.”
“I’d like to get rich again just to turn the tables on them,” said Tom thoughtfully.
“You must take the world as you find it,” said the lawyer. “There are more selfish than unselfish people in it. But you musn’t jump to the conclusion that all men are mercenary.”
“I am sure they are not,” said Tom.
“Keep your confidence in human nature, my boy, and you will be happier. Don’t become a cynic. It would only make you unhappy. Besides it would be unjust to the large number of really excellent people, some of whom I hope you will meet. But to come back to your affairs, what would you like to do?”
“What can I do?”
“You can go to a boarding-school a year without exceeding the money I have to your credit. Then if you realize what I think probable, you can continue yet longer, and still have something to begin the world with.”