"I don't care whether it is fashionable or not," said Ben; "I shan't waste my time over them."
"Will you have some more toast, Ephraim?" asked Mrs. Oakley, heartily tired of the conversation.
"Thank you, I believe I will."
John mentally decided that Mr. Huxter was a singular man, but did not dream that he was likely to have considerable to do with him, and that ere long.
CHAPTER X.
HOW THE MATTER WAS SETTLED.
After supper Mrs. Oakley and her brother were left together. Ben had no particular fancy for the society of his uncle, and John had no desire to intrude upon Mrs. Oakley.
"Well, Ephraim," said Mrs. Oakley, plunging into business at once, "I have been considering what I could do for you."