Tom Davenport, for it was the son of Squire Davenport who had offered
his escort to Rose, glanced superciliously at our hero.

"I congratulate you on having secured a grocer's boy as escort," he
said in a tone of annoyance.

Ben's fist contracted, and he longed to give the pretentious
aristocrat a lesson, but he had the good sense to wait for the young
lady's reply.

"I accept your congratulations, Mr. Davenport," said Rose coldly. "I
have no desire to change my escort."

Tom Davenport laughed derisively, and walked away.

"I'd like to box his ears," said Ben, reddening.

"He doesn't deserve your notice, Ben," said Rose, taking his arm.

But Ben was not easily appeased.

"Just because his father is a rich man," he resumed.

"He presumes upon it," interrupted Rose, good-naturedly. "Well, let
him. That's his chief claim to consideration, and it is natural for
him to make the most of it."

"At any rate, I hope that can't be said of me," returned Ben, his brow
clearing. "If I had nothing but money to be proud of, I should be
very poorly off."