"They do say the Colonel is to spend a sight of money on that ball," said
Mrs. Abner Reed. "I guess it won't bankrupt him." And she looked hard at
Mr. Hopper.
"I callate he ain't pushed for money," that gentleman vouchsafed.
"He's a good man, and done well by you, Mr. Hopper."
"So—so," answered Eliphalet. "But I will say that I done something for the Colonel. I've saved him a hundred times my pay since I showed old Hood the leaks. And I got a thousand dollar order from Wright & Company this week for him."
"I dare say you'd keep a tight hand enough on expenses," said Miss Crane, half in sarcasm, half in approval.
"If Colonel Carvel was doin' business in New England," said Eliphalet, "he'd been bankrupt long ago."
"That young Clarence Colfax," Mrs. Abner Reed broke in, "he'll get a right smart mint o' money when he marries Virginia. They do say her mother left her independent. How now, Mr. Hopper?"
Eliphalet looked mysterious and knowing. He did not reply.
"And young Colfax ain't precisely a pauper," said Miss Crane.
"I'll risk a good deal that she don't marry Colfax," said Mr. Hopper.