"That is good. My son Frank is an intimate friend of Mark, and thinks a great deal of him and his mother."
"So do I," responded the hermit. "Mark is a straightforward boy, and will succeed life."
"I hope so. I wish I had anything for him to do—Frank would be glad. Perhaps in time I may find him a place."
"I think I shall be able to provide employment for Mark myself," said the hermit, quietly.
Mr. Thompson regarded him with surprise. Like the rest of the villagers, he had been in the habit of regarding old Anthony as a man of limited means.
"By-the-way, Mr. Thompson, I called this morning on a little matter of business," continued the hermit. "I believe you have the rental of the Beach house."
"Yes," answered Mr. Thompson, somewhat surprised.
"I am acquainted with a family who are on the lookout for a house in Groveton. This, I think, would suit them, if the rent is not too high."
"It is, you know, a fine house. Would your friends like to have it furnished?"
"I think so."