"I don't pretend to know about business, Albert, but I do know that in dismissing Bert you deprive us of more than half our income, and Heaven knows we need it all."
"Your son can find something else to do."
"What is there for him to do in Lakeville? I shall be grateful if you will suggest anything."
"No doubt he can get a chance to work on a farm."
"I know of no farmer who needs his services, and even if there were one he would not get money for his services, and that is what we want."
"Of course farming isn't the only thing," said the squire vaguely. "If he looks round sharp he will come across something——"
Mrs. Barton shook her head.
"You know how little business there is in Lakeville," she answered. "Isn't there some other department in the factory in which you can employ him?"
Squire Marlowe shook his head.
"He is too young for any other work," he said.