"It is a great help to me," said Mrs. Baker.
"I don't mean that. It isn't getting me ahead. I can't do any more now than I could a year ago. If I learned my uncle's business I might get ahead, as he has."
"You may be right, Ben; but how could I spare you? I should feel so lonely."
"You have Alice, mother. She is ten years old, and is a good deal of company to you."
So the discussion continued. Finally, as might have been expected, Ben obtained from his mother a reluctant consent to his writing to his uncle. He did not have to wait long for the answer; but when it came, it was cold and unsatisfactory. It read thus:
"Nephew Benjamin:—Your letter has come to hand, asking me to give you a place in my store. I think you are much better off in the country. Besides that, I do not think you ought to leave your mother. You say there is no chance for you in Sunderland; but you are mistaken. You can work for some farmer, and gradually acquire a knowledge of the business, and in time I may help you buy a farm, or at any rate hire one, if I am satisfied with your conduct. As to the city, you had better keep away from it. I am sure your mother will agree with me.
"Your uncle,
"Nicholas Walton."
"Your uncle seems to me to write very sensibly," said Mrs. Baker. "The city is full of temptations."
"If I go to the city I shall work too hard to be troubled in that way, mother."
"Your uncle makes a very kind offer, I think."
"It doesn't bind him to much," said Ben. "He says he may help me to buy or hire a farm, if I learn farming."