if she ever want to
borrow any flour or groceries, to come to me."

"Thank you," said Ben gratefully, and he felt sure that Nance had a
kind heart, in spite of her prim and formal demeanor.

With a glad heart, he carried home the basket, and its contents
brought great relief to Mrs. Bradford, who, as she told Ben, was
"most out of everything."

Chapter IX

Mr. Manning's Proposal

After supper Ben sauntered slowly up the street. It was a relief to
him after his confinement during the day, and there was always a
chance to find something to do. This was desirable, for now that
Deacon Sawyer's woodpile was disposed of, Ben had no work
engaged.

Ben sauntered along, as I have said, until he found himself in front of
the Milltown Hotel.

It was the only hotel in the town, and, though not large, was able to
accommodate all who had occasion to visit the town and were not
otherwise provided.

"I wonder if Mr. Brockton"--this was the landlord's name--"hasn't got
something for me to do," thought Ben.

As this thought occurred to him, he entered by the open door, and
stepped into the office.

Mr. Brockton was not in, but, in an armchair at a window, Ben
recognized Mr. Manning, the same gentleman whom he had seen two
hours before at Deacon Sawyer's.

The recognition was mutual. Mr. Manning removed his cigar from
his lips and said, with a smile:

"Your name is Benjamin, isn't it?"

"Yes sir."

"Have you come to spend some of the money you received from
my friend, the deacon?"

"No, sir. It is all the money I have in the world, and I must take
good care of it."

"Wages don't seem to be very high in Milltown," remarked Mr.
Manning pleasantly, and he smiled again.

"Not for sawing and splitting wood, sir. They pay very well in
the factory.

"Were you ever employed in the factory?"

"Yes, sir."

"How did you happen to lose your place?" inquired Mr.
Manning searchingly.

"It was the dull times, sir. They discharged quite a number, and
as I was one of the latest on, of course I was among the first to go."

"You don't complain of that, do you?"

"No, sir; but at the same time, it was unlucky for me."

"Still, it wasn't as bad as if you were a man with a family to
support."

"I have a family to support, sir."

"You have?" repeated Mr. Manning, a little surprised. "You
are rather young--to have a family," he added, with a smile.

Ben laughed.

"I am not married yet, if that's what you