“I inquired about that. There is a very pretty cottage just vacated, not far from the academy. I find we can have it at a moderate rent. I have already got the refusal of it, and will write at once that we will hire it.”
“And what shall we do with this house?”
“We won't sell it to Squire Leech at a sacrifice. That is one thing certain. By the way, day after to-morrow is the day for paying the interest.”
“Yes; I have been troubling myself about it.”
“There is no occasion; I have a hundred dollars in my pocket, given me on account by Mr. Cameron. So the squire is checkmated. But, mother, I have a favor to ask of you.”
“What is that?”
“For two days keep secret our good fortune.”
“Why, Herbert?”
“I want the squire to be deceived—to think the place is in his grasp, and realize that there is many a slip between the cup and the lip.”
“What shall I say to the neighbors if they ask why you have got home?”