If Mrs. Winter had not read Ben’s letter to Albert Graham she might have felt troubled by these words, but as it was she remained calm and composed.
The fact was that Jacob Winter was beginning to miss Ben. The latter had done a great many chores, and attended to many little duties about the farm, which now devolved upon his stepfather.
Mr. Winter had thought of hiring a boy, but found that none could be induced to work for him at the wages he was willing to pay. In this emergency he thought of Ben, who he was persuaded was in a state of distress, but much as he desired to get him back he was not willing to advance the money for his traveling expenses.
The next morning he chanced to fall in with Albert Graham.
“I hear you’ve had a letter from Ben,” said the farmer, halting his horse.
“Yes, sir.”
“Where did he write from?”
“From New York.”
“Did he say how he was doin’?”
“He didn’t complain any.”