Now I did not possess twenty cents, and I knew it; still, I fingered among its compartments as if in search of the little gold dollars that were not there.
"Hav'nt you the change ?" enquired Mr.Smith, at the same time drawing forth his purse, through the meshes of which the gold and silver coin glittered in the gas light.
"No dear," I replied, feeling instant relief.
"Help yourself;" said he, as he tossed the purse to my side of the table.

I was not long in accepting the invitation you may be sure.
"Don't think," said I, after Bridget had retired, "that I am one of those who grudge the toiling poor the meagre wages they earn.

I presume I looked, as I spoke, a little annoyed.

The fact is, to tell the honest truth, I have not a dollar in my porte-monnaie; this with the not very pleasant consciousness of having spent several dollars to-day rather foolishly, fretted me when the just demand of the washerwoman came." "I will exonerate my wife from any suspicion of grinding the faces of the poor." Mr.Smith spoke promptly and with some earnestness of manner.

After a slight pause, he continued, "Some people have a singular reluctance to part with money.