Hugh heard again about Blanche and Emma and the piano, and the rapt vision of the buying up of both the Smiths, and the future conduct of one grocery business only by a person of the name of Larkin.
“Not another word,” he said; “you have more than convinced me that no one who has any regard for his immortal soul would deal anywhere but at Octavius Smith’s. Let [p67] us go on and swell Larkin’s commission at once. You are probably better up in housekeeping than I am, Lynn,—if I forget any item you must jog my memory. My sister will be quite delighted that we have saved her all this trouble.”
Octavius was speedily wide-awake.
He had always liked the Judge’s children, and took a special interest in Lynn, who had composed the following song for him:—
“You must deal at the shop of Octave
Ius Smith if you’re anxious to save.
But into the small shop of Sept
We hope that you never have stept.”
But this was beyond everything good and thoughtful of the child. And as to Larkin, who had obtained her interest so well—well, the lad should have a “thumping” commission on the order.
The old man’s hand began positively to shake as he wrote and wrote at the order.