CHAPTER XLII
About a week before he went back to school his father again sent for him
into the dining-room, and told him that he should restore him his watch,
but that he should deduct the sum he had paid for it--for he had thought
it better to pay a few shillings rather than dispute the ownership of the
watch, seeing that Ernest had undoubtedly given it to Ellen--from his
pocket money, in payments which should extend over two half years. He
would therefore have to go back to Roughborough this half year with only
five shillings' pocket money. If he wanted more he must earn more merit
money.
Ernest was not so careful about money as a pattern boy should be. He did
not say to himself, "Now I have got a sovereign which must last me
fifteen weeks, therefore I may spend exactly one shilling and fourpence
in each week"--and spend exactly one and fourpence in each week
accordingly. He ran through his money at about the same rate as other
boys did, being pretty well cleaned out a few days after he had got back
to school. When he had no more money, he got a little into debt, and
when as far in debt as he could see his way to repaying, he went without
luxuries.
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