“I am not afraid,” said Tom, “if I have my health. If I get sick, I will write to you.”
“When do you want the money?”
“At once, if possible. I want to sail by the next steamer.”
“The money shall be ready. I am not sure that I am doing right in humoring your whim, but a willful lad must have his way. By the way, Tom, I want to give you one piece of advice.”
“What is that, sir?”
“You know the name you have here?”
“The Bully of the Village,” said Tom, smiling.
“Yes. I am afraid you have deserved it. Now that you have assumed a man’s responsibilities, I hope you will give up your domineering spirit, and have a greater regard for the rights of others.”
“I mean to,” said Tom. “I think it has done me good to lose my fortune. I feel twice as old and twice as much confidence in myself as before.”
“That is well, but your success in life will depend largely upon the favorable impression you make upon others. If you still play the bully, you cannot expect to be liked.”