And with that worthy determination he resolutely drove the subject from his thoughts by burying himself in his books, and when he finally retired to rest he fell into as sound and refreshing slumber as if he had not a care in the world.
CHAPTER V.
A DARING TRICK.
The morning following the interview between Squire Talford and Clifford, the former repaired to the establishment of the tailor, where he was accustomed to have his clothing made, to have a talk with the man regarding the “freedom suit” which the contract demanded for his “bound boy.”
He inquired Mr. Black’s price for making; then he asked to see the goods, with the intention of selecting the very cheapest he had in stock.
But Mr. Black informed him that he had worked up everything so close he really hadn’t anything on hand suitable for a young man like Clifford, but he was expecting a fresh invoice that very afternoon, and would send him samples as soon as they came.
“Very well,” said the squire; “and as I have to have a new suit for myself this fall, send along something that will do for me also, and I will give you both orders at once.”
Mr. Black promised he would do as requested, and then the squire went about other business; and about half an hour before tea-time that afternoon a boy appeared at Squire Talford’s door, with the promised samples.
His ring was answered by the maid of all work, or perhaps the housekeeper would be the more proper term, for Maria Kimberly had been a member of the squire’s household for upward of fifteen years. She was a widow, and her maiden name was Barnes. She had come there a girl in her teens, about two years after the marriage of the squire, and for six months had been under the training of his wife. Then she had married and gone away to a home of her own; but, being left a widow before she had been a wife a year, she had returned to the service of Mrs. Talford, whom she loved and served most faithfully as long as she lived, and, being competent in every respect, had acted as housekeeper for the squire ever since her death, which had occurred about five years previous.
She was a shrewd, practical, commonplace person, but possessing quick sympathies and a kind heart, and from the day that Clifford had come into the house she had befriended the bright, but lonely, boy, growing more and more fond of him as the years went by, and she had slyly shown him many a favor and made many a rough place smooth for him.