"
"That's a good plan," answered Ted "You take mother with you, she'll
enjoy the drive. And I'll stay and look after things."
"As for old Hand," went on Will, "I shouldn't wonder a bit if he would
offer to knock off that two hundred and fifteen dollars arrears of
interest!"
"Perhaps," said Ted. "It would be decent of him."
That afternoon, as the Carters were sitting down to tea, Jim Hutchings
arrived with a note from Mr. Hand. The man looked very uncomfortable
as Ted came to the kitchen door. He said he would wait for an answer;
but he surlily refused to come in.
Mr. Hand's note was to Will, asking if he would be at home that evening.
Will answered that he would, and would be glad to see Mr. Hand.
About eight o'clock Mr. Hand appeared, and was ushered by Ted into the
sitting room where Will and his mother were talking over the matter of
the new marsh. Mrs. Carter greeted Mr. Hand quite graciously, as Will
brought forward a chair. Then she started to leave the room.
But Mr. Hand, flattered by her politeness, begged her to remain.
"I thought," said Mrs. Carter, "that if you had business with my son
Will, Ted and I might perhaps be in your way!" and returning to her
chair she took up a piece of sewing. Ted hovered over her, too anxious
and excited to sit down.
"Yes," said Mr. Hand, "my business is entirely with William; but I
should be glad to hear that you approve of it."
Mr. Hand had rather dreaded the possible attitude of Mrs. Carter.
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