'Now,' said the little old man, 'you must run home or you'll be late for
dinner. But first let me find some little token of our conversation for
each,' and so saying, he went to the drawer labelled 'Prizes for Hard
Work,' and found something for Bertram; and to the drawer labelled
'Gifts for Forgetting Number One,' and found something for Beryl; and to
the drawer labelled 'Presents for Anticipating Wishes,' and found
something for Bobus; and to the drawer labelled 'Rewards for Hard Play,'
and found something for Aline.
'Now, good-bye,' said he, holding open the door.
But Bertram, who was always the leader, did not move. He seemed still to
have something on his mind.
'No, no,' said the Ameliorator, who was a wonderful thought-reader, 'no,
no, there is nothing to pay. Why, I have had the pleasure of your
company for a whole hour! That's payment enough for any one. Now run
along.'
'But,' Bertram faltered, still not moving, 'I haven't earned the "Prize
for Hard Work."'
'No,' said each of the others, 'I haven't earned mine either.'
'Ah!' said the Ameliorator, 'but you are going to.'
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