'"
"Go then, by all means, and secure a bargain for the boy. I will advance
the money."
"Oh, thank you, I prefer making the gift myself. I want also to get
something for Thomas, and I cannot think of anything but a gun or a book.
Do you know if he likes to shoot things?"
"If Thomas developed a taste for fire-arms he might take to shooting
promiscuously, and life at Oaklands would no longer be so safe as at
present. I should certainly advise a book."
"But some of them say he cannot read."
"It is high time, then, for him to learn. Thomas is a marvel of thrift,
and he won't be satisfied to have the book bring in no return. A school
book would be a judicious selection."
"I saw a book down town about horses and their diseases and treatment.
Cook says, 'Thomas dearly loves to fix up medicines for his horses.'"
"Very well. Now that matter is settled, have you any further inquiries to
make about Christmas presents?"
"Not any more, thank you."
"Then I will tell you a bit of news. I expect Mr. Bovyer here this
evening. It is a great favor for him to confer on us at this
season--coming to brighten our Christmas."
"I fancied we had the prospect of a very joyous Christmas without help
from abroad. To look at the pantry one might imagine we were going to
entertain half of Cavendish to-morrow."
"I noticed a wistful look on your face when you came in that the purchase
of a gun and watch could not wholly account for. Tell me, what is it?"
"Mr.
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