“Squire Leech² is here,” he said.

“What shall we say to him?” asked his mother, soberly.

“Wait a minute and I will tell you,” said Herbert, his face brightening.

“I've had a stroke of luck, mother. I've been engaged to work afternoons, at five dollars a week.”

“Who has engaged to pay you such high wages?” asked Mrs. Carter, astonished.

“A young man staying at the hotel, whose eyes are weak. I am to read to him, and do whatever else he requires. I got the chance through the landlord.”

“You are certainly fortunate,” said his mother, gratified.

“Now, what I am going to propose to the squire is to wait two or three weeks for the balance of the interest till I can make it up out of my wages.”

“If he weren't so anxious to get possession of the place he would; but I am afraid on that account he will refuse But we ought to go in.”

Mrs. Carter removed the apron³ which she had worn about her work, and entered the sitting room, followed by Herbert.

“I hope you will excuse my keeping you waiting, Squire Leech,” she said.

“Certainly, ma'am, though I am rather in a hurry.”

“I suppose you have come about the interest?”

“It is due to-day, as, of course, you know.”

“Yes.”

“I suppose you have it ready,” said the squire, eyeing her shrewdly.

“I can pay you fifteen dollars of it,” said the widow, nervously⁴.

Squire Leech felt exultant⁵, but he only frowned.

“It amounts to twenty-two dollars and a half,” he said, sharply.

“I know that, and I shall be able to pay the remainder if you will be kind enough to wait two or three weeks.”

Not knowing anything of Herbert's good fortune, Squire Leech utterly⁷ disbelieved this. He knew no source from which the widow could get the money.

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