"I--I
don't know," he faltered. "I declare I don't see how. Er--er--
Out in that bank where he used to work, that Wisconsin bank, he--
you said he did first-rate there?"
She started. "Yes, yes," she cried, eagerly. "Oh, he was splendid
there! And the man who was the head of that bank when Charles was
there is an old friend of ours, of the family; he has retired now
but he would help us if he could, I know. I believe . . . I wonder
if . . . Mr. Winslow, I can't tell any one in Orham of our disgrace
and I can't bear to give up that opportunity for my brother. Will
you leave it to me for a little while? Will you let me think it
over?"
Of course Jed said he would and went back to his little room over
the shop. As he was leaving she put out her hand and said, with
impulsive earnestness:
"Thank you, Mr. Winslow. Whatever comes of this, or if nothing
comes of it, I can never thank you enough for your great kindness."
Jed gingerly shook the extended hand and fled, his face scarlet.
During the following week, although he saw his neighbors each day,
and several times a day, Mrs. Armstrong did not mention her brother
or the chance of his employment in the Orham bank. Jed, very much
surprised at her silence, was tempted to ask what her decision was,
or even if she had arrived at one. On one occasion he threw out a
broad hint, but the hint was not taken, instead the lady changed
the subject; in fact, it seemed to him that she made it a point of
avoiding that subject and was anxious that he should avoid it,
also.
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