"Oblige me! This ain't to oblige me. It's to oblige you."

"Oh, then I won't do it."

"Well, then, 'tis to oblige me. It'll oblige me to have you show
some sense. Come on, Jed. These people I've got in mind are nice
people. They want to find a little house and they've come to me at
the bank for advice about findin' it. It's a chance for you, a
real chance."

Jed rocked back and forth. He looked genuinely worried.

"Who are they?" he asked, after a moment

"Can't name any names yet."

Another period of reflection. Then: "City folks or Orham folks?"
inquired Mr. Winslow.

"City folks."

Some of the worried look disappeared. Jed was plainly relieved and
more hopeful.

"Oh, then they won't want it," he declared. "City folks want to
hire houses in the spring, not along as late in the summer as
this."

"These people do. They're thinkin' of livin' here in Orham all the
year round. It's a first-rate chance for you, Jed. Course, I know