"Yes, because I like the work—taking care of the horses and working in the garden, and so on—better than standing behind a counter all day. It never did seem to me like a man's work to be selling yards of ribbon and calico, and papers of pins, and so on."
"There is something in that. But people have a great deal more respect for clerks in stores than they have for hired men."
"That depends on who the people are, I fancy," said Eben, shrewdly. "Don't you remember how scornfully your aunt Fletcher spoke of somebody as 'a mere dry goods clerk,' and wondered how some young lady could think of marrying such a person?"
"Yes, I know; and what do you suppose she will say to you now?"
"She does not seem very much disposed to say anything to any of us, I think," said Eben, with a curious little contraction of his mouth. "I don't think she will distress herself as long as we don't want anything of her. I shouldn't like to go for it! I do not think I need be governed by her opinion. She is not my aunt, as, you know, she took pains to make me understand."
"I believe you come as near to hating Aunt Fletcher as you can to hating anybody," said Flora, smiling.
"No, I don't. I don't care anything about her. I did think she need not have been in such a great hurry to make mother comprehend that she could not possibly be expected to do anything for us. As if we ever asked her! But that is neither here nor there. The question is about taking up with Mr. Antis's offer, and I have about made up my mind to do so. Twelve dollars a month is not much, but it is something, a certainty, too, and meantime I have a chance of showing what I can do—of gaining a character—don't you see? If Mr. Antis finds I am good for something in one place, he is all the more likely to help me to another."
"You certainly are the longest-headed boy of your age, Eben. But there is something in that."
"There is another thing," said Eben. "The work at Mr. Antis's will not be very hard, and I am in hopes I may get some time to study, so that I can go on with my Latin—at least so far as not to forget what I have learned. I know Mr. Willson will help me, for he said so, and he is not the man to say more than he means."
"No, indeed, and I will go on with you. I am sure I can get time if I try. Well, Eben, I shall not say a word against your going to Mr. Antis if you think it best. Here we are at the Springs. You may leave me at Miss Hurd's."