"That's where you are right. How much do you have to pay for your room?"
"A dollar and a half a week."
"I don't ask from curiosity. I suppose I shall have to get a place somewhere."
"When you get ready, come to me. I'll find you a place."
Here an old lady entered—an old lady from the country evidently, in a bombazine dress and a bonnet which might have been in fashion twenty years before. She was short-sighted, and peered inquisitively at Oliver and John.
"Which of you youngsters keeps this store?" she enquired.
"I am the gentleman, ma'am," said John, with a flourish.
"Oh, you be! Well, I'm from the country."
"Never should have thought it, ma'am. You look like an uptown lady I know—Mrs. General Buster."
"You don't say," returned the old lady, evidently feeling complimented. "I'm Mrs. Deacon Grimes of Pottsville."