Finishing his breakfast leisurely, Squire Haynes went into the room where Frank was sitting patiently awaiting him.
Frank rose as he entered.
“Good morning, Squire Haynes,” he said, politely rising as he spoke.
“Good morning,” said the squire coldly. “You are an early visitor.”
If this was intended for a rebuff, Frank did not choose to take any notice of it.
“I call on a little matter of business, Squire Haynes,” continued Frank.
“Very well,” said the squire, seating himself in a luxurious armchair, “I am ready to attend to you.”
“I believe you hold a mortgage on our farm.”
Squire Haynes started. The thought of Frank's real business had not occurred to him. He had hoped that nothing would have been said in relation to the mortgage until he was at liberty to foreclose, as he wished to take the Frosts unprepared. He now resolved, if possible, to keep Frank in ignorance of his real purpose, that he might not think it necessary to prepare for his attack.
“Yes,” said he indifferently; “I hold quite a number of mortgages, and one upon your father's farm among them.”