"So I have."

"Yes, sir; but you have dressed me in such a way that I attract
attention in the street for my shabbiness. I don't think I am very
proud, but I have been mortified! more than once when I saw people
looking at my patched clothes and shoes out at the toes. I think if
I work faithfully I ought to be dressed decently."

"Joseph," said Major Norton uneasily, "you look at the thing too
one-sided. You don't expect me to dress you like Oscar?"

"No, sir; I don't. If you would spend half as much for my clothes as
you do for Oscar's I would be contented."

"It seems to me you are very inconsistent. Here is a suit of clothes
that cost me thirty-four dollars, which I offer you, and you decline."

"You know why well enough, sir," said Joe, "You did not tell me you
intended to dress me in Oscar's castoff clothes, too small, and
stained at that. I would rather wear the patched suit I have on till
it drops to pieces than wear this suit."

"You can go, Joseph," said Major Norton, in a tone of annoyance. "I
did not expect to find you so unreasonable. If you do not choose to
take what I offer you, you will have to go without."

"Very well, sir."

Joe left the room, his face flushed and his heart full of indignation
at the slight which had been attempted on him.