The evening after the doctor left us, I was lying on the ground near the stone steps leading to the broad hall, when I heard Master and Old Miss talking. They were sitting on the portico and did not see me.
"I told him," said Master, "that he might draw on me for what money he actually needs, but that I would put up with no extravagance. Of course, he has a sort of a claim, but I don't intend that he shall embarrass me in any way."
She cleared her throat with a rasp that always made me shudder. "He surely has a claim," she replied.
"Well, that's what I said, didn't I?"
"Yes, but you seem to think that it is not much of a claim."
"I don't seem to think anything of the sort. He shall have everything that is due him. But, madam, the truth of it is, he is of no account."
"He is a gentleman."
"In what way?" I peeped up and saw him look hard at her. "In what way has he shown himself a gentleman?"
"He was born a gentleman," Old Miss replied.
"Born one, yes. His father and mother may have been good stock, but I tell you that he's a scrub. Still I will give him what's due him."