"I wish to consult with you about a couple of my Christmas gifts," I said directly, "if you have leisure to give me a few moments."
"I am never too busy to hear anything you may wish to say, especially anything in connection with your benevolent projects," he said, quite genially.
"Are you going to buy the stable boy a watch?"
"Certainly not anything so unnecessary for that wooden-headed youth. I doubt if he could make out the hour if he possessed one."
"Oh, yes he could. Boys are not nearly so stupid as you might imagine," I responded assuringly. "He is very anxious for one. I have been examining the jeweller's stock and can get a very nice-looking watch for five dollars. I was surprised, and think they are marvels of cheapness."
"You go entirely by looks, I see, in the matter; but that is all that bright-hued youth will require. Yes, by all means get the watch. Thereby you will add considerably to the pile of human happiness, for a short time, at all events."
"Would five dollars be too high to pay for one?" I asked doubtfully.
"If you can secure one at a lower price do so by all means," he said with apparent sincerity.
"There were some for two and a half dollars; but they looked rather large for a boy of his size."
"The less boy the more watch, I should say; but be sure and get a large chain. If the watch gets to be trying on his nerves, he can use the chain to put an end to his troubles."