"Yes. I've got a note for you. I happened to be coming this way, and I told my father I'd take it," continued Brandon, anxious to have it understood that he was not specially sent to the cottage. "Thank you, Brandon. Won't you come in while I am reading it?" "No, but I'll wait. I think it's short." Dean tore open the envelope, and read as follows in the handwriting of Squire Bates: "DEAN DUNHAM: "I understand from my son Brandon that you are seeking employment, and have no objection to leave home. A gentleman at present visiting me is in want of a clerk and secretary, and he would like to have an interview with you. As he leaves town to-morrow, I send for you this evening. "RENWICK BATES." Dean felt that nothing would suit him better. He felt grateful to Squire Bates for what he regarded as a piece of unexpected kindness. "Your father is very kind, Brandon," he said as he folded up the note. "He offers me a position with a friend of his." "He just mentioned the matter to me," Brandon said indifferently. "I wonder if the gentleman is one to whom I showed the way to your father's house this afternoon?" "Like as not. I don't know him; I never saw him before." "Then you don't know whether he lives far from here or not?" "No." "I wonder whether I shall suit him," queried Dean anxiously. "My father seems to think you will," answered Brandon. "Of course I don't know anything about it." "I will try to suit him at any rate," said Dean earnestly. "Do you think your uncle will let you go?" "Yes, it is a fair chance. I've talked over the matter with him and he sees that there isn't anything for me to do in Waterford, and that I shall have to leave town to get a place that is worth having." "I shall envy you for one thing," said Brandon. "What is that?" "Because you will be leaving Waterford." "It is a pretty village." "I am sick and tired of it. There is nothing going on here. I don't see why a gentleman of my father's wealth should bury himself in such a one-horse place." "It isn't very lively," Dean admitted. "I should say not. Why even the circus doesn't come any nearer than ten miles. I shall tease papa to go to New York to live. I should like to live on Madison or Fifth Avenue." Dean knew very little about either of the avenues referred to, though he had heard of them as tenanted by rich families. He rather congratulated himself that Brandon had not sought the place which was to be offered to him. By this time they had reached the home of Squire Bates, and Dean followed Brandon into the house. He soon found himself in the presence of the squire and of Peter Kirby. "Good-evening, Dean," said the squire pleasantly. "This is my friend, Mr. Kirby. "I have seen the young man before," said Kirby, opening his mouth in what he tried to make a pleasant smile. "Yes, sir. I remember you."