"Luke Crandall is going into his uncle's shop at Bradford, and the other two boys talk of leaving town."
"I do think Albert Marlowe might find some place for you. We are near relations, and he knows how I depend on your earnings."
"He isn't a man to consider that, mother."
Mrs. Barton was silent, but she determined to make an application to her cousin in Bert's behalf. Accordingly, in the evening, she said to him. "Bert, I am going out to make a call. I would like to have you look after the house while I am gone."
"Yes, mother."
Mrs. Barton did not venture to let Bert know of her intention, for he would have done his best to prevent her applying to the squire for a special favor. Perhaps he was too proud, but it was an honorable pride. Besides, he knew very well that the appeal was likely to prove ineffectual.
With a faltering step Mrs. Barton advanced and rang the bell of her cousin's handsome house. It was a call from which she shrank, but she was spurred by necessity.
"Is Mr. Marlowe in?" she inquired.
"I will see, ma'am."
Squire Marlowe was at home, and she was ushered into his presence.