Page:The Poor Rich Man, and the Rich Poor Man.djvu/148

140 trial that spoils all my pleasure. Don't let me see you prink so, miss," turning to her daughter, and pulling from her head a dress cap, that she was trying on and arranging with all the airs and graces of a fine lady; "I have told you a thousand times, Sahina Jane," she continued, "not to be fond of dress!—Well, Tom, what is wanted now?"

"That French gentleman, ma'am, what teached Miss Sabina Jane, is to call early for his money; and if you'd please to give it to me to-night—"

"I can't attend to it to-night—tell him to call again."

"He has called again and again, ma'am; and he says his wife is sick—and he looks so distressed-like."

"I have not the money by me to-night, Tom."

"Shall I ask Mr. Finley for it, ma'am?"

"No, Tom."

The image of the unhappy foreigner haunted Tom's imagination; and, after lingering for a moment with the door in his hand, he said—"Maybe ma'am don't remember Mr. Finley gave out the money for Mr. Felix."

Mrs. Finley did remember well that she had received the money, and had spent it that very afternoon for a most tempting piece of French embroidery—"a love of a pocket handkerchief," that cost only thirty dollars!—the price of poor Monsieur Felix's labour for two quarters, with an indolent and neglected child. "Shut the door, Tom," she said; "I can't be bothered about this money now; tell Mr. Felix to call after breakfast." Tom despaired and withdrew. "How impertinent Tom