"
At this style of talk the sophomore seemed all but crushed with
mortification.
"Come, Fred," pursued Dick, not waiting for the other to answer,
"be a different sort of chap. Make up your mind to go through
the High School, and through life afterwards, dealing with everybody
on the square. Be pleasant and honest---be a high-class
fellow---and everyone will like you and seek your friendship.
That's all I've got to say."
"It's quite enough to say," retorted Ripley, but he spoke in a
low voice that had in it no trace of combative energy.
"Well, boys, how are matters going?" asked Lawyer Ripley, reentering.
"Fred, have you remedied your boorishness by thanking Prescott?"
"Oh, yes, he has thanked me," Dick replied, cheerily. "And we've
been chatting about---some other matters. And now, Mr. Ripley,
if you will excuse me, I feel that I must run along."
I have other things that I really must attend to."
"Won't you be more sensible, and let me make you a duplicate to
the check you tore up?" asked the lawyer.
"Thank you, sir; but I don't want to; couldn't, in fact. My father
and mother would be ashamed of me if I took home a check for such
a service. Good afternoon, Mr. Ripley. So long, Fred."
Dick went out of the lawyer's offices almost breezily. Fred even
found the nerve to respond to Dick's parting salutation with something
very close to an air of cordiality.
The instant he reached the street Dick took in several deep breaths.
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