"If one could find such a boy as that, there would be comfort in it," thought Mrs. Antis as Eben went out, "but I think every one we have tried has been a greater plague than the last."
It was with no little satisfaction that Eben helped his sister into the buggy and set out for his drive over to the Springs. He felt the pleasure that any boy would feel in driving a fine horse; he was gratified that Mr. Antis had been willing to trust him with so valuable an animal; he was glad of the chance to oblige that person, who had always been kind to him, and he was especially glad of the opportunity to have a quiet talk with Flora before seeing his mother.
The afternoon was warm, and he had plenty of time before him, so he drove rather slowly over the pretty country road which led from Boonville to the Springs, telling Flora, meanwhile, of the talk he had with Mr. Antis and Jeduthun. Flora looked grave at first.
"It just amounts to your being Mr. Antis's hired man," said she.
"Just exactly that, and nothing more, only I shall board at home instead of in the family."
"That's something," said Flora, thoughtfully. "But, Eben, don't you feel as if it were something of a come dawn in the world?"
"No, I don't know that I do. Why?"
"Well, you know we have always visited Mrs. Antis, and felt ourselves just as good as she is—I mean as far as position and all that goes, for in other ways I am sure she is a great deal better than I am. It seems as if it wouldn't be very pleasant for you to be living there as a servant: that is the truth of it. I dare say you think it is very silly in me, but I do feel so."
"It is natural enough, I suppose," said Eben, "and yet I can't say I feel as you do. I can't see that any honest work is degrading. Of course it is not the kind of work that I would have chosen,—we cannot have everything to suit us—but it is better than a good many other things. I would rather do it than go in a store, for instance."
"Would you, really?"