“He said he would have given three hundred and fifty if we hadn't been so unreasonable as to refuse then. Now, as you have been sick, he expects he can get the place on his own terms.”
“I didn't think Squire Leech would be so ungenerous.”
“He hinted, besides, that when the next interest is due, he would foreclose, if the money were not ready.” “It won't be ready, I am afraid, Herbert,” said his mother, depressed. “What shall we do? I am afraid we shall be forced to sell the place, though it would be hard to leave it.”
“There's a month before the interest comes due, mother,” said Herbert, with energy. “Something may turn up.”
But his mother was not so hopeful as he.
“What can turn up?” she said.
“I may get employment.”
“Even if you do, a boy can earn little in the country.”
“That is true, mother, but somehow I feel hopeful.”
“That is because you are young, Herbert. It is natural for youth to be hopeful.”