I thought what tragic tales might sometimes lie hidden beneath a
seemingly dry and senseless combination of figures, while, in my own
case, I was merely struck with the justice of those figures.
For such eccentric and distracted services as I had rendered in
Wallencamp, the superintendent of schools had paid me in full at the
price stipulated, eight dollars per week.
On the other hand, the column of insolvency, I considered that the West
Wallen Doctor's bill was an expression of modesty itself. The sum due my
Dear Madeline for "board," at two dollars and a half per week, though I
trusted it was some compensation for the merely temporal advantages to be
enjoyed in Wallencamp, did not appear as an astounding aggregate. The
list of "minor details" was well portrayed, and presented an aspect of
clear use and value.
My once fond dream of a "private bank account" had gradually faded from
my memory. I saw the last spar in that fair wreck go down, now, without a
sigh. And the "loans solicited," in labored phrase, as "mere temporary
conveniences," from the friends at home--these, I was satisfied, must
remain only as the sweet continuation of a life-long debt.
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