"Dr. Maynard," I said, "I think you're the very kindest man I ever knew!"
"Oh, no," he broke in, "this is purely a business transaction."
"But," I went on, "fifty cents is a lot too much. That would be giving me money."
"Well, let it be understood," he said, "I'm not giving you anything. You're earning it in just as businesslike a manner as a stenographer—or Eliza. I'd like you to keep an accurate account of your time, please, and send me an itemised bill. I said fifty cents and I stick to it. Shall I come over to-morrow with your first relay?"
I thanked Dr. Maynard with my whole heart. I was so relieved I didn't know what to do.
"Would you mind," I said as he opened the front door for me, "waiting just a minute? I've a note upstairs that I wish you'd mail on your way home."
I dashed up to my room, directed an envelope in mad haste to Oliver, and on a half-sheet of note-paper I scratched:
"In spite of Alec's news I may be able to scare up some of the money.
Alec had half a dozen letters for Dr. Maynard to mail also, and I had the satisfaction of laying my note to Oliver on top of the announcement which cut his allowance in half. After the door had closed and Alec and I were alone, I went and kissed my brother good-night.
