"Would that pay, do you think?" Mr. Winthrop inquired, giving me at the same time a curiously intent look.
"The poor would thank you."
"How do you know there are any?"
"I have met a good many myself. I dare say there are others I know nothing about."
He turned a keen look at Mrs. Flaxman; I saw her face flush; probably he noticed it as well as I. Then he said, quite gravely:—
"You shall have all the surplus for your needy acquaintances; only you must superintend the distribution. I firmly believe in giving philanthropists their share of the labor."
The color flamed into my face, I could hardly repress the retort:—"Why do you spoil the grace of your gift so ungraciously?" but I left the words unsaid until he left the room, when I relieved my feelings much to Hubert's amusement, who brightened greatly once the door was closed upon him and we were alone.
"I could like that man better than any one I know if he hadn't such a beastly way of conferring favors. Once I get earning money I shall pay him every cent that I have cost him," Hubert said vindictively.
"Including Faery and the choice cigars?" his mother asked, with a sad little smile.
Hubert flushed. "What are they to one of his means?"