“You may write to your uncle to that effect, if you like.”
“Very well, Dr. Kent. Then I will write to him at once.”
“You will find some paper in my desk, Herbert. I suppose you will not object to my seeing your letter.”
“No, doctor, I intended to show it to you. You won't expect me to show much gratitude, I hope?”
“I won't insist upon it, Herbert,” said the doctor, smiling.
Herbert in about half an hour submitted the following note to the doctor's inspection. It had cost him considerable thought to determine how to express himself, but he succeeded at last to his tolerable satisfaction.
“UNCLE BENJAMIN [so the letter commenced]: Dr. Kent has just shown me your reply to his letter about me. You seem to think I wish you to support me, which is not the case. All I should have asked was your influence to help me in obtaining a situation in the city, where I might support myself. I am willing to work, and shall probably find some opportunity here. The ten dollars, which you inclose, I will accept AS A LOAN, and will repay you as soon as I am able, WITH INTEREST. HERBERT MASON.”
“Will that do?” asked Herbert.
Dr. Kent smiled.
“You were careful not to express any gratitude, Herbert,” he said.