Nellie laughed. “Roscoe,” she said, “isn't he dreadful! He knows we bought these berries in Boston. It's much too early for the native ones. But they really are very nice, though he does make such fun of them.” She went into the vestry to get the berries and I sat down at the table beside Taylor and looked about me. “Most everybody's here,” he observed. “And they'll be glad to see you, Ros. Get out and shake hands and be sociable, after you've done your duty by the fruit. How are things at home?” “Mother is herself again, I am glad to say. George, I have scarcely thought of anything except what you told me the other night.” “Then it's time you did. That's one reason why I wanted you to come here. You've been thinking too much about yourself.” “It isn't of myself, but of Mother. If you had dropped a hint when that Boston reporter came--” “Now, look here, Ros, would YOU have dropped hints if things had been the other way around?” “I don't know.” “I know you wouldn't. What's the use of giving the Denboro gossip mill a chance to run over time? Great heavens! it works twelve hours a day as 'tis.” “It was mighty good of you, just the same.” “No, it wasn't. The whole affair was your business and nobody else's.” “Well, as I said before, if ever I have an opportunity to do as much for you--not that I ever will.” “How do you know you won't? Anybody's liable to be gossiped about some time or other.” “Not you. You are Denboro's shining light. The mothers and fathers here point you out as an example of what industry and ambition and honest effort may rise to. I--” “Shut up!” He said it almost savagely. “There!” he added, quickly, “let's change the subject. Talk about something worth while. Humph! I guess they must be opening another crate of those Boston 'homegrowns,' judgin' by the time it takes Nellie to get your sample.” “I am in no hurry. How are affairs at the bank?” “Oh, so, so. Don't know a good man who wants a job, do you? Henry Small's going to leave the middle of next month.” “Small, the bookkeeper? Why?” “Got a better chance up to the city. I don't blame him. Don't tell anybody yet; it's a secret. Say, Ros, DO you know of a good, sharp, experienced fellow?” I smiled. “Is it likely?” I asked. “How large is my acquaintance among sharp, experienced fellows down here?” “Not so large as it ought to be, I'll give in to that. But you know one.” “Do I, indeed? Who is he?” “Yourself. You wouldn't take Small's job, would you?” “I?” I laughed aloud. “It's no joke. You've had a lot of banking experience. I've heard about it among my city friends, who don't know I know you. Course I realize the place is way beneath what you ought to have, but--” “Oh, don't be sarcastic. No, thank you, George.” “All right, if you say so. But I meant it. You don't need the salary, I know. But--Ros, do you mind if I talk plain for a moment?” I wondered what was coming now. “No,” I answered. “Go ahead and talk.”