`` I do mean it , every word . You say you have never had a chance . Well , I am going to give you one -- a chance to get on the right road and make a man of yourself . Nobody shall ever know about last night 's doings from me , and I 'll make it my business to forget them if you deserve it . What do you say ? '' Ches lifted his head and looked her squarely in the face . `` I 'll come , '' he said huskily . `` It ai n't no use to try and thank you , Miss Calista . But I 'll live my thanks . '' And he did . The good people of Cooperstown held up their hands in horror when they heard that Miss Calista had hired Ches Maybin , and prophesied that the deluded woman would live to repent her rash step . But not all prophecies come true . Miss Calista smiled serenely and kept on her own misguided way . And Ches Maybin proved so efficient and steady that the arrangement was continued , and in due time people outlived their old suspicions and came to regard him as a thoroughly smart and trustworthy young man . `` Miss Calista has made a man of Ches Maybin , '' said the oracles . `` He ought to be very grateful to her . '' And he was . But only he and Miss Calista and the peppermint bottle ever knew the precise extent of his gratitude , and they never told . The Jest That Failed `` I think it is simply a disgrace to have a person like that in our class , '' said Edna Hayden in an injured tone . `` And she does n't seem a bit ashamed of it , either , '' said Agnes Walters .
`` Rather proud XXXXX it , I should say , '' returned her roommate , spitefully .
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