“So it will, Paul. I wish you joy.”
“And my father's memory will be vindicated,” said Paul, in a tone of deep satisfaction. “If he could only have lived to see this day!”
A fortnight later, Paul obtained permission from his employer to be absent from the office for a week. It was his purpose to visit Cedarville and repay 'Squire Conant the debt due him: and then, to go across the country to Wrenville, thirty miles distant, to see Aunt Lucy Lee. First, however, he ordered a new suit of a tailor, feeling a desire to appear to the best advantage on his return to the scene of his former humiliation. I must not omit to say that Paul was now a fine-looking young fellow of nineteen, with a frank, manly face, that won favor wherever he went.
In due course of time, he arrived at Cedarville, and found his way without difficulty to the house of 'Squire Conant.
It was a large house, rather imposing in its exterior, being quite the finest residence in the village.
Paul went up the walk, and rang the bell.
“Can I see 'Squire Conant?” he asked of the servant who answered the bell.
“You'll find him in that room,” said the girl, pointing to a door on the left hand of the hall.
“As he doesn't know me, perhaps you had better go before.”
The door was opened, and Paul found himself in the presence of his father's creditor. 'Squire Conant was looking pale and thin. He was just recovering from a severe sickness.