"Why was he foolish, Mr. Landholm?"
"Because he greatly misstated his own value — which it isn't the part of a wise man to do. I know he wasn't worth twelve dollars."
"Do you think I am worth more than that, sir?"
"I don't know what you're worth," said his father good- humouredly. "I should be sorry to put a price upon you."
"Why, Winthrop?" — his mother said more anxiously.
"Will you let me take Mr. Dolts' place, father?"
"His place? What, in the schoolhouse?"
"Yes, sir. If I can get it, I mean."
"What for?"
"The twelve dollars a month would hire a man to do my work on the farm."