“Now, now! we'll fix it somehow. Lettie has set her heart on having you around the place.
“You're the second young man I've been after whom I was sure would suit me, since we moved on to the old Fleigler place. The first fellow I can't find; but don't tell me that I am going to be disappointed in you, too.”
“Mr. Bronson,” said Hiram, gravely, “I'm sorry to say 'No.' A little while ago I'd have been delighted to take up with any fair offer you might have made me. But I have agreed with Mrs. Atterson to run her place for two seasons.”
“Two years!” exclaimed Mr. Bronson.
“Yes, sir. Practically. I must put her on her feet and make the old farm show a profit.”
“You're pretty young to take such responsibility upon your shoulders, are you not?” queried the gentleman, eyeing him curiously.
“I'm seventeen. I began to work with my father as soon as I could lift a hoe. I love farm work. And I've passed my word to stick to Mrs. Atterson.”
“That's the old lady up to the house?”
“Yes, sir.”
“But she wouldn't hold you to your bargain if she saw you could better yourself, would she?”