The Ben told his friend about his savings.
"Doesn't it seem hard to have your earnings used up in this way?" asked the bookkeeper.
"No," answered Ben cheerfully.
"You are an excellent boy, Ben. You have done just the right thing. I am glad you are so unselfish."
"I am afraid I am selfish as the majority of boys; but I am not mean enough to let my aunt and little cousin suffer."
"I believe you consider me a friend of yours, Ben."
"I consider you one of the best friends I have, Mr. Porter," said Ben warmly.
"Then you must allow me a friend's privilege."
As he said this he drew from his pocketbook a twenty-dollar bill, and put it into Ben's hands.
"Thank you very much, Mr. Porter; but ought I to accept so much?"