You have been extremely civil, sir, and I appreciate it most highly." When they had reached the front walk and were about to climb the immaculate steps, St.George, still determined to divert the boy's thoughts from his own financial straits, said with a laugh: "Todd told you, of course, about your father paying me a visit this morning, did he not ?" "Oh, yes!--a most extraordinary account.

You must have enjoyed it," replied Harry, trying to fall into his uncle's mood, his heart growing heavier every moment.

"What did he want ?" One of St.George's heat-lightning smiles played over his face: "He wanted two things.

He first wanted you, and then he wanted a receipt for a month's board--YOUR board, remember! He went away without either." A new perspective suddenly opened up in Harry's mind; one that had a gleam of sunshine athwart it.
"But, Uncle George!" he burst out--"don't forget that my father owes you all the money you paid for me! That, of course, will eventually come back to you." This came in a tone of great relief, as if the money was already in his hand.
St.George's face hardened: "None of it will come back to me," he rejoined in a positive tone.

"He doesn't owe me one single penny and he never will.