“My father will do what's right,” said Diamond. “I'm sure of that.” “Well, so I think. Will you ask him when he comes home to call and have a little chat with me--to-day, some time?” “He must have his dinner first,” said Diamond. “No, he's got his dinner with him to-day. It must be after he's had his tea.” “Of course, of course. Any time will do. I shall be at home all day.” “Very well, sir. I will tell him. You may be sure he will come. My father thinks you a very kind gentleman, and I know he is right, for I know your very own self, sir.” Mr. Raymond smiled, and as they had now reached his door, they parted, and Diamond went home. As soon as his father entered the house, Diamond gave him Mr. Raymond's message, and recounted the conversation that had preceded it. His father said little, but took thought-sauce to his bread and butter, and as soon as he had finished his meal, rose, saying: “I will go to your friend directly, Diamond. It would be a grand thing to get a little more money. We do want it.” Diamond accompanied his father to Mr. Raymond's door, and there left him. He was shown at once into Mr. Raymond's study, where he gazed with some wonder at the multitude of books on the walls, and thought what a learned man Mr. Raymond must be. Presently Mr. Raymond entered, and after saying much the same about his old horse, made the following distinct proposal--one not over-advantageous to Diamond's father, but for which he had reasons--namely, that Joseph should have the use of Mr. Raymond's horse while he was away, on condition that he never worked him more than six hours a day, and fed him well, and that, besides, he should take Nanny home as soon as she was able to leave the hospital, and provide for her as one of his own children, neither better nor worse--so long, that is, as he had the horse. Diamond's father could not help thinking it a pretty close bargain. He should have both the girl and the horse to feed, and only six hours' work out of the horse. “It will save your own horse,” said Mr. Raymond. “That is true,” answered Joseph; “but all I can get by my own horse is only enough to keep us, and if I save him and feed your horse and the girl--don't you see, sir?” “Well, you can go home and think about it, and let me know by the end of the week. I am in no hurry before then.” So Joseph went home and recounted the proposal to his wife, adding that he did not think there was much advantage to be got out of it. “Not much that way, husband,” said Diamond's mother; “but there would be an advantage, and what matter who gets it!” “I don't see it,” answered her husband. “Mr. Raymond is a gentleman of property, and I don't discover any much good in helping him to save a little more. He won't easily get one to make such a bargain, and I don't mean he shall get me. It would be a loss rather than a gain--I do think--at least if I took less work out of our own horse.”