“I will tell you what to do, Herbert,” he said, after a while.  “You can accept this money as a loan, and repay it when you are able.”

“With interest?”

“Yes, with interest, if you prefer it.”

“I shall be willing to accept it on those terms,” said Herbert; “but I want my uncle to understand it.”

“You may write to your uncle to that effect, if you like.”

“Very well, Dr. Kent.  Then I will write to him at once.”

“You will find some paper in my desk, Herbert.  I suppose you will not object to my seeing your letter.”

“No, doctor, I intended to show it to you.  You won’t expect me to show much gratitude, I hope?”

“I won’t insist upon it, Herbert,” said the doctor, smiling.

Herbert in about half an hour submitted the following note to the doctor’s inspection.  It had cost him considerable thought to determine how to express himself, but he succeeded at last to his tolerable satisfaction.

“Uncle Benjamin [so the letter commenced]:  Dr. Kent has just shown me your reply to his letter about me.  You seem to think I wish you to support me, which is not the case.  All I should have asked was your influence to help me in obtaining a situation in the city, where I might support myself.  I am willing to work, and shall probably find some opportunity here.  The ten dollars, which you inclose, I will accept as A loan, and will repay you as soon as I am able, with interest. Herbert Mason.”

“Will that do?” asked Herbert.

Dr. Kent smiled.

“You were careful not to express any gratitude, Herbert,” he said.

“Because I don’t feel any,” returned Herbert, promptly.  “I feel grateful to you, Dr. Kent, for your great kindness.  I wish I could pay you for that.  I shall never forget how you attended my mother in her sickness, when there was small prospect of your being paid.”

“My dear boy,” said the doctor, resting his hand affectionately on Herbert’s shoulder, “I have been able to do but very little.  I wish I could do more.  If you wish to repay me, you can do it a hundred times over by growing up a good and honorable man; one upon whom your mother in heaven can look down with grateful joy, if it is permitted her to watch your progress here.”

“I will do my best, doctor,” said Herbert.

“The world is all before you,” proceeded Dr. Kent.  “You may not achieve a brilliant destiny.  It is permitted to few to do that.  But whether your sphere is wide or narrow, you may exert an influence for good, and leave the world better for your having lived in it.”

“I hope it may be so,” said Herbert, thoughtfully.  “When I am tempted to do wrong, I will think of my mother.”

“It is the very best thing you can do, Herbert.  And now for your plans.  I wish I were in a situation to have you remain with me.  But as that cannot be, I will do my best to get you a place.”