"Oh, yes," said Silas, as if he understood.
His penetration was not put to further proof. The mere supposition of his apprehension satisfied his employer, who could now go on without embarrassment.
"She ought to come to school," said Dexter.
"Oh!" exclaimed Silas, with surprise sufficient to convince the father that the young man had not attempted to practise a deceit.
"Yes," said Dexter, "she ought, she's old enough,"—as if that were all he had been waiting for.
"I think so," answered Silas Swift, with a decision encouraging to hear, and final as to influence.
"You do? Yes, I ought to afford it, if I lived on a crust to manage the bills. Why not? What's the difference 'twixt her and the rest, I'd like to know?"
"She could beat the whole batch at her books," said Silas, not doubting that he spoke with moderation.
"Pretty quick, wasn't she?" said the pleased father. "Yes, I know Columby!"
"And she deserves it."