'I don't know, I'm sure,' said Rough; and indeed how was he to know,
seeing that the letter had only been given over to his charge by Mr.
Redding?

Mr. Fairchild looked perplexed.

'Oh,' he said, 'I thought that possibly you could have explained a
little more fully'--then he considered again. 'I think perhaps I could
send specimens of some of the hymn-books, and I can make out a list of
the prices, etc., so that Mr. Vane would have no trouble in selecting
what he requires. It will only take me a few minutes, and it would save
time if----' he hesitated. 'My errand-boy has gone some distance away
this morning.'

'If you mean that it'll save trouble for me to carry the parcel, I don't
mind,' said Rough in his boyish way.

Mr. Fairchild thanked him.

'I will see to it at once,' he said, and turning to his desk he began
writing down the details of some books which he took down from the
shelves behind.

The four children, Mrs. Fairchild, and Jane Dodson stood together in the
middle of the shop; it was quite small, and with these six people it
seemed crowded. There was only one chair, pushed up in a corner by the
counter.

'It is draughty near the door, even when it is shut. Will you not come
farther in, Miss Vane? or,' with a little hesitation, 'would you step