"Thanks," said Evan dryly. "But the labels I paint bring in ready money."
"Many a young man would be glad of the chance to go around with Simeon Deaves," he went on cunningly. "It would be a liberal education for you."
Evan got up. It was the best argument he knew.
"You could have your meals here," Deaves said quickly. "They eat well. There's enough wasted in this house to feed an orphanage."
"Sorry," said Evan. "It doesn't appeal to me."
"Well, you could have a room on the top floor. You look pretty good; Maud wouldn't mind you. Your living wouldn't cost you a cent."
Evan thought of the supercilious servants. Not for a bank president's salary would he have lived in that house. He said: "I'm open for an offer as I told you, but only during specified hours. I'd eat and sleep at home."
"You're a fool!" said the old man testily. "Free board and lodging! I haven't any money."
"All right," said Evan moving towards the door. "No harm done."
"Wait a minute. Maybe my son would lend me the money to pay you a small salary. He says I oughtn't to go out alone."