SICKNESS
Squire Leech was reluctant to give up his intended purchase. He had an idea that Herbert stood in the way, and he contrived to call upon the widow in the course of the following week, at a time when he knew our hero was away from home.
But he failed again.
“I'm very sorry to go contrary to your advice, Squire Leech,” said Mrs.
Carter, deprecatingly, “but I can't give up my home. Herbert, too, would
be very much disappointed.”
“I hope you will not allow yourself to be guided by the judgment of
an inexperienced boy, ma'am,” said the squire, mortified.
“I think I ought to consult my boy's wishes,” said the widow.
“He doesn't know what is best for him.”
“Perhaps not; but I feel with him at present. I'm sorry to disappoint you, Squire Leech.”
“As to that, ma'am, I have no interest in the matter. I was only advising you for your good.”
“I'm sure I'm much obliged to you.”
“In fact, as your means are limited, I will stretch a point, and offer you fifty dollars more. I shouldn't be at all sure of getting my money back.”