"What is that?"
"Because you will be leaving Waterford."
"It is a pretty village."
"I am sick and tired of it. There is nothing going on here. I don't see why a gentleman of my father's wealth should bury himself in such a one-horse place."
"It isn't very lively," Dean admitted.
"I should say not. Why even the circus doesn't come any nearer than ten miles. I shall tease papa to go to New York to live. I should like to live on Madison or Fifth Avenue."
Dean knew very little about either of the avenues referred to, though he had heard of them as tenanted by rich families. He rather congratulated himself that Brandon had not sought the place which was to be offered to him.
By this time they had reached the home of Squire Bates, and Dean followed Brandon into the house. He soon found himself in the presence of the squire and of Peter Kirby.
"Good-evening, Dean," said the squire pleasantly. "This is my friend, Mr. Kirby.
"I have seen the young man before," said Kirby, opening his mouth in what he tried to make a pleasant smile.