“Partnership!” interrupted Francisco, drawing back alarmed; “I had no thoughts of that.”
“But won’t you? can’t you?” said Piedro, in a supplicating tone; “can’t you have thoughts of it? You’d find me a very active partner.”
Franscisco still drew back, and kept his eyes fixed upon the ground. He was embarrassed; for he pitied Piedro, and he scarcely knew how to point out to him that something more is necessary in a partner in trade besides activity, and that is honesty.
“Can’t you?” repeated Piedro, thinking that he hesitated from merely mercenary motives. “You shall have what share of the profits you please.”
“I was not thinking of the profits,” said Francisco; “but without meaning to be ill-natured to you, Piedro, I must say that I cannot enter into any partnership with you at present; but I will do what, perhaps, you will like as well,” said he, taking half the fruit out of his basket; “you are heartily welcome to this; try and sell it in the children’s fruit market. I’ll go on before you, and speak to those I am acquainted with, and tell them you are going to set up a new character, and that you hope to make it a good one.”
“Hey, shall I! Thank you for ever, dear Francisco,” cried Piedro, seizing his plentiful gift of fruit. “Say what you please for me.”
“But don’t make me say anything that is not true,” said Francisco, pausing.
“No, to be sure not,” said Piedro; “I do mean to give no room for scandal. If I could get them to trust me as they do you, I should be happy indeed.”
“That is what you may do, if you please,” said Francisco. “Adieu, I wish you well with all my heart; but I must leave you now, or I shall be too late for the market.”