On a cold winter morning, a poor boy called Howard Kelly was on his way to school. He was so hungry that he decided to beg(乞讨）for a meal at the next house.
A lovely young lady opened the door and she brought him a large glass of milk. He had it slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe(欠）you?"
You owe me nothing," she replied. "Mother has taught me never to accept pay for a kindness." He said, "Then I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Years later the woman became seriously ill. The local doctors sent her to the big city, where specialists(专家）can study her illness. Dr. Howard Kelly, now famous, was called in for the consultation (会诊). When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately, he rose and went to her room. He recognized her at once and decided to do his best to save her life. From that day on, he gave special attention to her and her illness.
After a long time, the lady was well again at last. Dr. Kelly asked the hospital office to pass the final bill to him. He looked at it and then wrote something on the side. The bill was sent to her room. She was afraid to open it because she had thought that it would take the rest of her life to pay it off. Finally she looked, and the note on the side caught her attention. "Paid in full with a glass of milk."
