ring in an unwarrantable manner with his affairs.

"You see," continued Eben, "I'm a good deal nearer your age than
Herbert, and I've had the advantage of residing in the city, which
Herbert hasn't, and naturally should be more company to you. Then,
again, Herbert could do the work in the post office and store, which I
am doing, nearly as well as I can. I'll undertake to get father to give
him back his place, and then I shall be happy to make an arrangement
with you to go hunting and fishing, or anything else that you choose.
I am sure I should enjoy your company, Mr. Melville," concluded Eben,
rubbing his hands complacently and surveying George Melville with an
insinuating smile.

"You have certainly taken considerable trouble to arrange this matter
for me," said Melville, with a sarcasm which Eben did not detect.

"Oh, no trouble at all!" said Eben, cheerfully. "You see, the idea came
into my head when Herbert told me of his arrangements with you, and I
thought I'd come and see you about it."

"Did you mention it to Herbert?" asked George Melville, with some
curiosity.

"Well, no, I didn't. I didn't know how Herbert would look at it. I got
Herbert to take my place in the store while I ran over to see you about
the matter. By the way, though I am some years older than Herbert, I
shan't ask more than you pay him. In fact, I am willing to leave the pay
to your liberality."

"You are very considerate!" said Melville, hardly knowing whether to be
amused or provoked by the cool assurance of his visitor.

"Oh, not at all!" returned Eben, complacently. "I guess I've fetched
him!" he reflected, looking at Mr. Melville through his small,
half-closed eyes.

"You have certainly surprised me very much, Mr. Graham," said Melville,
"by the nature of your suggestion. I won't take into consideration the
question whether you have thought more of your own pleasure or mine.
So far as the latter is concerned, you have made a mistake in supposing
that Herbert's youth is any drawback to his qualification as a
companion. Indeed, his youth and cheerful temperament make him more
attractive in my eyes. I hope, Mr. Graham, you will excuse me for saying
that he suits me better than you possibly could."

Eben's countenance fell, and he looked quite discomfited and mortified.

"I didn't suppose a raw, country boy would be likely to suit a gentleman
of taste, who has resided in the city," he said, with asperity.

"Then you will have a c