A spark flashed into Mr. Campbell 's black eyes . `` Is this a Sunday School deputation ? '' he inquired rather ironically . `` No . We have come to ask a favour of you , '' said the Story Girl . The magic of her voice worked its will on Mr. Campbell , as on all others . He came in , sat down , hooked his thumb into his vest pocket , and smiled at her . `` What is it ? '' he asked . `` We are collecting for our school library , and we have called to ask you for a contribution , '' she replied . `` Why should I contribute to your school library ? '' demanded Mr. Campbell . This was a poser for us . Why should he , indeed ? But the Story Girl was quite equal to it . Leaning forward , and throwing an indescribable witchery into tone and eyes and smile , she said , `` Because a lady asks you . '' Mr. Campbell chuckled . `` The best of all reasons , '' he said . `` But see here , my dear young lady , I 'm an old miser and curmudgeon , as you may have heard . I HATE to part with my money , even for a good reason .
And I NEVER XXXXX with any of it , unless I am to receive some benefit from the expenditure .
Leaning Mr. favour money others part reason smile tone voice