Now, if you hadn't _studied_ to be polite, you would have done very well." "Indeed, ma'am, I am a poor boy, trying to make a little money to help my mother.

I am sure I meant no harm." "I know you didn't.

So you are selling books to help your mother ?" "Yes, ma'am." She inquired still further into the little merchant's history, and seemed to be very much interested in him.
In a frolic, a few days before, Bobby learned from her, Colonel Whiting had agreed to pay any penalty she might name, the next time he got into a passion.
"Now, young man, what book have you to sell ?" asked the lady.
"'The Wayfarer.'" "How many have you in your valise ?" "Eight." "Very well; now, uncle, I decree, as the penalty of your indiscretion, that you purchase the whole stock." "I submit." "'The Wayfarer' promises to be an excellent book; and I can name at least half a dozen persons who will thank you for a copy, uncle." Colonel Whiting paid Bobby eight dollars, who left the contents of his valise on the centre table, and then departed, astounded at his good fortune, and fully resolved never to be too smart again..