“Yes; I am thankful to say he is. He’s a good stiddy boy, Noah is; he don’t go gadding about all over the world.”
“Like me?” suggested Guy, with a smile.
The deacon coughed, but did not disclaim the amendment.
“Have you lost your place?” he asked.
“Mr. Saunders has given me a year’s vacation,” answered Guy.
“Humph!” said the deacon. “That’s rather hard on you. You may find it difficult to get a place round here.”
“I shall not try for one. I am going to stay at home with father part of the time.”
“You’re pretty young to retire from business,” sneered the deacon.
“I shall be glad to have Noah call on me.”
“I don’t approve of Noah bein’ idle. He’s helpin’ me in the store, out of school.”