"Take it, Robert, to please me;" and the young lady smiled so sweetly that Bobby's resolution began to give way. "Only to please me, Robert."
"I will, to please you; but I don't feel right about it."
"You must not be too proud, Robert," said Mr. Bayard, as he put the gold pieces into his hand.
"I am not proud, sir; only I don't like to be paid for doing my duty."
"Not paid, my young friend. Consider that you have placed me under an obligation to you for life. This money is only an expression of my own and my daughter's feelings. It is but a small sum, but I hope you will permit me to do something more for you, when you need it. You will regard me as your friend as long as you live."
"Thank you, sir."
"When you want any assistance of any kind, come to me. I live in
Boston; here is my business card."
Mr. Bayard handed him a card, on which Bobby read, "F. Bayard & Co.,
Booksellers and Publishers, No. —— Washington Street, Boston."
"You are very kind, sir."
"I want you should come to Boston and see us too," interposed Ellen.
"I should be delighted to show you the city, to take you to the
Athenaeum and the Museum."