Rodney read this like one dazed. In an instant
he was reduced from the position of a favorite of
fortune to a needy boy, with his living to make.
He could not help recalling what had passed between
his friend David and himself earlier in the day.
Now he was as poor as David—poorer, in fact
for David had a chance to learn a trade that would
yield him a living, while he was utterly without resources,
except in having an unusually good education.
“Well,” said Dr. Sampson, “have
you read your letter?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Your guardian wrote to me also. This is
his letter,” and he placed the brief epistle
in Rodney’s hands.
Dr. Sampson—I have written my
ward, Rodney Ropes, an important letter which he will
show you. The news which it contains will make
it necessary for him to leave school. I inclose
a check for one hundred and twenty five dollars.
Keep whatever is due you, and give him the balance.
Benjamin Fielding.
“I have read the letter, but I don’t know
what it means,” said Dr. Sampson. “Can
you throw any light upon it?”
“Here is my letter, doctor. You can read
it for yourself.”
Dr. Sampson’s face changed as he read Rodney’s
letter. It changed and hardened, and his expression
became quite different from that to which Rodney had
been accustomed.
“This is a bad business, Ropes,” said
the doctor in a hard tone.
He had always said Rodney before.
“Yes, sir.”
“That was a handsome fortune which your father
left you.”
“Yes, sir. I never knew before how much
it amounted to.”
“You only learn when you have lost it.
Mr. Fielding has treated you shamefully.”
“Yes, sir, I suppose he has, but he says he
will try to make it up to me in the future.”
“Pish! that is all humbug. Even if he is
favored by fortune you will never get back a cent.”
“I think I shall, sir.”
“You are young. You do not know the iniquities
of business men. I do.”
“I prefer to hope for the best.”
“Just as you please.”
“Have you anything more to say to me?”
“Only that I will figure up your account and
see how much money is to come to you out of the check
your guardian has sent. You can stay here till
Monday; then you will find it best to make new arrangements.”
“Very well, sir.”
Rodney left the room, realizing that Dr. Sampson’s
feelings had been changed by his pupil’s reverse
of fortune.
It was the way of the world, but it was not a pleasant
way, and Rodney felt depressed.
THE CASKET OF JEWELS.
It was not till the latter part of the afternoon that
the casket arrived. Rodney was occupied with
a recitation, and it was only in the evening that
he got an opportunity to open it. There was a
pearl necklace, very handsome, a pair of bracelets,
two gold chains, some minor articles of jewelry and
a gold ring.
