"Mr. Stone, I am surprised at your singular style of talking. You wish to do away with all social distinctions." "I certainly do, madam, in my schoolroom, at least. There must be social differences, I am aware. We cannot all be equally rich or honored, but whatever may be the world's rule, I mean to maintain strict impartiality in my schoolroom." "Will you require Andy Burke to apologize to Godfrey?" "Why should I?" "For his violent assault upon him." "Certainly not. He was justified in his conduct." "If my son was doing wrong, the Irish boy, instead of interfering, should have waited till you came, and then reported the matter to you." "And, meanwhile, stood by and seen Alfred Parker inhumanly treated?" "I presume the matter has been greatly exaggerated." "I do not, madam." "Do I understand that you decline to make reparation to my son?" "Reparation for what?" "For the manner in which he has been treated." "I must have talked to little purpose, if I have not made it clear that your son has only received his deserts. Of course, he is entitled to no reparation, as you term it." "Then, Mr. Stone," said Mrs. Preston, her thin lips compressed with indignation, "since Godfrey cannot meet with fair treatment, I shall be compelled to withdraw him from your school." "That must be as you please, madam," said the teacher, quite unmoved by the threatened withdrawal of his richest pupil. "I shall report to Colonel Preston your treatment of his son." "I have no objection, madam." "You are pursuing a very unwise course in alienating your wealthiest patrons." "I have no patrons, madam," said Mr. Stone, proudly. "I return faithful service for the moderate wages I receive, and the obligation, if there is any, is on the part of those whose children I instruct." "Really," thought Mrs. Preston, "this man is very independent for a poor teacher." She resolved upon another shot, not in the best of taste. "You must not be surprised, Mr. Stone," she said, "if the school trustees refuse to employ you again." "You mistake me utterly," said the teacher, with dignity, "if you suppose that any such threat or consideration will make me swerve from my duty. However, though I did not propose to mention it, I will state that this is the last term I shall teach in this village. I have been engaged at double the salary in a neighboring city." Mrs. Preston was disappointed to hear this. It was certainly vexatious that the man who had treated her son with so little consideration, who had actually taken the part of a working boy against him, should be promoted to a better situation. She had thought to make him feel that he was in her power, but she now saw that her anticipations were not to be realized. As she did not speak, Mr. Stone considered the interview closed, and rose. "Good-evening, Mrs. Preston," he said. "Good-evening, sir," she responded, coldly. He bowed and withdrew.