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 part with any of it , unless I am to receive some benefit from the expenditure . Now , what earthly good could I get from your three by six school library ? None whatever . But I shall make you a fair offer .
I have heard from my housekeeper 's urchin of a son that you are a ` master hand ' XXXXX tell stories .
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