“I may be gone two months or more.”
“Well, I never!” exclaimed the astonished woman, staring at Robert as if she thought his mind was wandering. “What sort of business is it that’s going to take so long?”
“The hermit wants it kept secret, Aunt Jane.”
“But how am I going to get along without you?” asked his aunt in dismay. “I can’t go out fishing, and the money I earn by sewing is almost nothing.”
Robert smiled, for he knew he could allay his aunt’s fears.
“The hermit will pay you five dollars a week while I am gone, and here is the first week’s pay,” he said, drawing from his pocket a bill.
“Well, I must say your friend the hermit is a gentleman. Five dollars a week is more than I can spend.”
“Then save a part of it if you like, aunt.”
“But what shall I do, Robert, if Mr. Jones comes upon me to pay the mortgage when you arc gone?” said his aunt, with new alarm.
“The hermit has agreed to pay off the mortgage and take one himself for the same amount.”