There was no sort of use in talking to Tode. Mr. Hastings seemed desirous of cutting the interview short. "Very well," he said, "I don't see but you have taken matters entirely into your own hands. What do you want of me?" "Nothing, sir, only I--" And here Tode almost broke down; a mist came suddenly before his eyes, and his voice seemed to slip away from him. The poor boy felt himself swinging adrift from the only one to whom he had ever seemed to belong. A very soft, tender feeling had sprung up in his heart for this rich man. It had been pleasant to meet him on the street and think, "I belong to him." The feeling was new to the friendless, worse than orphan boy, and he had taken great pride and pleasure in it; so now he choked, and his face grew red as at last he stammered: "I--I like you, and--" Then another pause. Mr. Hastings bowed. "That is very kind, certainly. What then?" "Would you let me bring up the mail for you evenings just the same? I wouldn't want no pay, and I'd like to keep doing it for you." Mr. Hastings shook his head. "Oh no, I wouldn't trouble a man of your position for the world. Jim, or some other _boy_, will answer my purpose very well. Since you choose to cut yourself aloof from me when I was willing to befriend you, why you must abide by your intentions, and not hang around after me in any way." Tode's eyes flashed. "I don't _want_ to hang around you," he began as he turned to go. Then he stopped again; he was leaving the house for the last time. This one friend of his was out of sorts with him, wouldn't let him come again; and the little Dora, who had showed him about making all the letters and figures, he was to see no more. All the tender and gentle in his heart, and there was a good deal, swelled up again. There were tears in his eyes when he looked back at Mr. Hastings with his message. "Would you please tell your little girl that I'm glad about the letters and figures, and I'll never forget 'em; and--and--if I can ever do some little thing for you I'll do it." Someway Mr. Hastings was growing annoyed. He spoke in mock dignity. "I shall certainly remember your kindness," he said, bowing low. "And if ever I should be in need of your valuable assistance, I shall not hesitate to send for you."