Herbert Carter's Legacy; Or, the Inventor's Son

“What could he do with it? He couldn’t live in it himself.”

“Not much. I can imagine the look of disgust James’s face would wear at the idea of such a thing. He wanted it for Nahum Brown, who lives in the old house up the road. You know Brown, who is a cousin of Mr. Banks, the superintendent, and he is very anxious to get hold of our house.”

“How did you learn all this, Herbert? I never knew it before.”

“Tom Banks let it out one day.”

“I don’t see how the squire can dislike us for wanting to stay in our old home.”

“There are a good many things you don’t understand—about selfish men—mother. That is why I am afraid it won’t be much use to ask the squire for employment.”

“You may be mistaken about his feelings, Herbert.”

“At any rate, I’ll go to him, if I can’t find employment anywhere else in the village.”

“I wish you would, that is, if you don’t think farm work will be too hard for you.”

“I’ll risk that.”

In pursuance of this promise, Herbert, after ascertaining that there was no work to be had anywhere else in the village, called one fine morning at the imposing residence of Squire Leech.

James was in the yard, at work on a kite.

“Have you come to see me?” said James, superciliously.

“No; I wanted to see your father.”

“What about?”

Herbert was about to answer “on business,” but it occurred to him that it would be better policy to keep on friendly terms with James, and he said: “I am looking for work, and I thought he might have some for me.”

“Perhaps so,” said James, patronizingly. “Of course, one in your position must work for a living.”

“Don’t you expect to work?” asked Herbert, in some curiosity.

“Not with my hands, of course,” said James. “I may study some genteel profession, such as law.”

“I am too poor to be genteel,” said Herbert, amused.

“Of course. You will probably be a day laborer.”

“I hope to rise to something better in time,” said Herbert. “For the present I shall be glad to work by the day, or the month, if your father will engage me.”

“I think my father is at home; you can ring and see,” said James, who could be kind to one who was willing to acknowledge his inferiority.

Herbert rang the bell, and was ushered into the presence of Squire Leech, who was examining some papers in the back parlor.

CHAPTER XII

POOR AND PROUD

“Good morning, Squire Leech,” said Herbert, politely.

“Good morning,” said the squire, jumping to the conclusion that the Carters had made up their minds to sell their place. “Do you wish to see me?”

“Yes, sir; I hope I don’t interrupt you.”

“Go on,” said the squire, waving his hand. “I am busy, to be sure, but I can give you a few minutes.”

He resolved to take advantage of Mrs. Carter’s necessities, and make a smaller offer for the place. In this way he would make her suffer for her former obstinate refusal to entertain his proposition.

His face fell when Herbert said: “I came to ask you if you could give me employment on one of your farms. My mother has been sick, and I feel that I ought to be doing something to earn money.”

“Ahem!” said the squire, “I leave all such matters to Mr. Banks. Was that all you wished to say to me?”

“I believe so,” said Herbert. “Will there be any use in applying to Mr. Banks?”

“I don’t know whether he has got help enough or not. Your mother has been sick, hasn’t she?”

“Yes, sir; all winter.”

“I heard of it. I suppose you found it expensive, eh?”

“Yes, sir. Neither of us could earn anything.”

“You are in debt, then?”

“No, sir. My uncle left us some money last year. That kept us along.”

“It’s pretty much used up now, I suppose?”

“Not quite.”

Herbert was inclined to be surprised at the squire’s apparent interest in their affairs, but the motive soon became apparent.

“Well, you have made up your mind to sell the house now, I suppose?” said the squire.

“No, we hadn’t thought of it.”

“But you’ll have to.”

“Not if I can get employment,” said Herbert. “Our expenses are very small, and we can live on a little.”

The great man frowned. “That is all nonsense,” he said, impatiently. “It is quite impossible for you to hold on to the house. I am willing to give you cash down three hundred dollars over and above the mortgage for it.”

“That isn’t as much as you offered last year,” said Herbert, shrewdly.

“I believe I did offer three hundred and fifty then.”