After a few moments' waiting to regain her composure, Mrs. Southard went down to the parlor where Anson and Hale sat, the former crestfallen and not over-confident of Philip's generosity.
To Hale she said: “My son will be back in a few moments with the sum you require. He has just gone for it.”
Anson's face lit up with joy. He was safe! How lucky it was that Philip had kept his money instead of spending it!
They did not have to wait long for Philip's return. His mother, who had been watching from the window, saw him as he came into the yard, and quitting the room, joined him in the hall.
“You have it? You were in time?” she asked anxiously.
“Yes,” he said, placing a bundle of bills in her hand. “It is a thousand dollars you need, is it not?”
“Yes. It is so good of you. How can I ever tell you what it means to me!”
With a heavy step, as if all the vigor had left him, Philip slowly mounted the stairs leading up to the floor above.
“Won't you come in and see Mr. Hale?” his mother called.
“I had rather not, dear,” he answered.