Polly seized it with dread.
"We need your services very much" [the letter ran] "and cannot wait longer for your return. We are very sorry to be so imperative, but the rush of work at this time of the year, makes it necessary for all our force to be in place.
"Very sincerely
"DAVID MARLOWE."
"You see they are getting all the books planned out, and put in shape for the next year; and business just rushes," cried Jasper, with shining eyes, showing his eagerness to be in the midst of the bustle of manufacture.
"What, so early!" cried Polly, letting the letter drop. "Why, I thought you didn't do anything until spring, Jasper—about making the books, I mean."
He laughed. "The travelers go out on the road then," he said, "with almost all the books ready to sell."
"Out on the road?" repeated Polly in amaze. "Oh, what do you mean,
Jasper?"
"Well, you see the business of selling is a good part of it done by salesmen, who travel with samples and take advance orders," said Jasper, finding it quite jolly to explain business intricacies to such an eager listener.
"Oh!" said Polly.