“I can’t account for more than five,” said Traddles, with an air of perplexity.
“—thousand, do you mean?” inquired my aunt, with uncommon composure, “or pounds?”
“Five thousand pounds,” said Traddles.
“It was all there was,” returned my aunt. “I sold three, myself. One, I paid for your articles, Trot, my dear; and the other two I have by me. When I lost the rest, I thought it wise to say nothing about that sum, but to keep it secretly for a rainy day. I wanted to see how you would come out of the trial, Trot; and you came out nobly—persevering, self-reliant, self-denying! So did Dick. Don’t speak to me, for I find my nerves a little shaken!”
Nobody would have thought so, to see her sitting upright, with her arms folded; but she had wonderful self-command.
“Then I am delighted to say,” cried Traddles, beaming with