One day, not long after the conversation with Wallingford, mentioned in the last chapter, I met Mr. Dewey in the street.  He stopped me and said, in half-sneering way,

“What of our honorable friend?  Impatient, I suppose, to see the inside of the Allen House?”

“No,” I replied, “he has no wish to disturb you for the present.”

“Indeed!  You expect me to believe all that, of course.”

There was a rudeness in his manner that was offensive; but I did not care to let him see that I noticed it.

“Why should you not believe my remark?” said I.  “Is it a new thing in your experience with men to find an individual considerate of another?”

“What do you mean by considerate of another?”

My form of speech touched his pride.

“Mr. Wallingford has manifested towards you a considerate spirit,” said I, speaking slowly and distinctly.  “It naturally occurs to him that, as you are so pleasantly situated at the Allen House, an early removal therefrom might be anything but desirable.  And so he has rested quietly up to this time, leaving a decision as to the period with yourself.”

“Humph!  Very unselfish, truly!”

His lip curled in disdain.

“If you feel restive under this concession in your favor,” said I, putting on a serious manner, “I would suggest independence as a remedy.”

He looked at me curiously, yet with a scowling contraction of his brows.

“Independence!  What am I to understand by your remark?”

“Simply this, Mr. Dewey.  You are in the occupancy of property belonging to Mr. Wallingford, and by his favor.  Now, if you cannot receive a kindness at his hands, in the name of all that is manly and independent, put yourself out of the range of obligation.”

I was not able to repress a sudden feeling of indignation, and so spoke with warmth and plainness.

“Thank you for your plainness of speech, Doctor,” he retorted, drawing himself up in a haughty manner.

“As to removing from the Allen House, I will do that just when it suits my pleasure.”

“Mr. Wallingford, you may be assured,” said I, will not show any unseemly impatience, if you do not find it convenient to make an early removal.  He knows that it cannot be agreeable for you to give up the home of years, and he is too much of a Christian and a gentleman to do violence to another’s feelings, if it can be in any way avoided.”

“Pah!  I hate cant!”

He threw his head aside in affected disgust.

“We judge men by their actions, not their words,” said I.  “If a man acts with considerate kindness, is it cant to speak of him in terms of praise?  Pardon me, Mr. Dewey, but I think you are letting passion blind you to another’s good qualities.”

“The subject is disagreeable to me, Doctor.  Let us waive it.”

“It was introduced by yourself, remember,” I replied; “and all that I have said has been in response to your own remarks.  This much good has grown from it.  You know just how Mr. Wallingford stands towards you, and you can govern yourself according to your own views in the case.  And now let me volunteer this piece of advice.  Never wantonly give offence to another, for you cannot tell how soon you may find yourself in need of his good services.”