"Just so. Now, Ben, I will tell you what I will do. Father keeps me pretty close myself, as far as money goes, but we have plenty in the house of groceries and such things as your aunt will need to have. Now, will it do just as well if I give you the balance that you have earned in that form?" "It will do just as well, Miss Nancy, and I am very much obliged to you for your kindness." "I am not kind, only just," said Nancy. "I don't think it honest to pay too little for work, nor father, either, for that matter, only he doesn't always set the right value on it. Maggie, you may bring me the large covered basket in the back room up-stairs." Maggie brought the basket at once, and Miss Nancy went with it into the storeroom, or buttery. She tied up various parcels of sugar, tea, and flour, and added two loaves of bread and a couple of pies, quite filling the basket. "There," she said, "I guess you'll find a dollar and a half's worth of articles here. Give my love to your aunt, and tell her from me that they are not a gift, but that you have fairly earned them." "Thank you, Miss Nancy," said Ben, overjoyed at his good luck. "You may say you are not kind, but I am sure you are." Miss Nance was really pleased by this recognition of her attempt to do justice. "If it's kindness," she said, "you are very welcome. Do you find it hard to get along, Benjamin?" "Pretty hard, since I have lost my place at the factory, Miss Nancy." "Tell your aunt," said Miss Nancy significantly "that 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."