“I should be in favor of selling, too, in that case; but Squire Leech only offers eleven hundred at the outside.”
“He ought to be more considerate.”
“He wants to make a bargain at your expense, mother. That isn't all. He is provoked to think you haven't accepted his offer before, and, of course, that won't incline him to be any more liberal.”
“I am afraid we shall have to part with our home,” said the widow, with a sigh.
“There is one hope, mother. I don't like to think of it too much, for fear it won't amount to anything; but father's invention may prove valuable. You know Mr. Cameron's father has agreed to examine it.”
“If we could only get two or three hundred dollars for it, it would be a great help.”
“If we get anything at all we shall get more. I am afraid we shall have to wait, though, for Mr. Cameron writes me his father is going to Europe for a few months.”
“Everything seems against us, Herbert,” said his mother, in a despondent tone.
But Herbert was more hopeful.
“If we can only manage to keep along and pay the next interest, I think we'll be all right, mother,” he said. “I mean to try, anyway. If there's any work to be had anywhere within five miles, I'll try to obtain it. How much money have you got left, mother?”