“I can do better—that’s about it.”
“And what do you wish to do?”
“Well, that’s just what I want to talk about.”
“I shall be glad to have your help when you can be spared,” said Eunice.
Jabez seemed to have a difficulty in sitting quietly in his chair. He fidgeted about, and let his hoe fall, and then picked it up and carried it out into the porch; then laid his cap on the floor, and straightened himself up, and said gravely,—
“Look here, Miss Eunice, I guess it won’t hurt anybody just to have a little talk about it. I want you to let me have your garden this summer—on shares if you say so; but I’d rather pay rent for it.”
“Why, Jabez, you surprise me!” said Eunice gently.
Fidelia laughed.
“Go on, Jabez. Tell us all about it.”
“Well, I will. In the first place, I want to show grandpa that I can do something; and, in the second place, I want to make some money this summer. I think I see my way clear to do both, if things happen right.”