esteemed himself of greater consequence. He was a selfish man, but
he was free from the mean traits that characterized his nephew.

"You are the Carr boy," said the squire, pompously, looking over his
spectacles at Herbert, as he entered the door.

"My name is Herbert Carr," said Herbert, shortly. "You have known me
all my life."

"Certainly," said the squire, a little ruffled at the failure of his
grand manner to impose upon his young visitor. "Did I not call you
the Carr boy?"

Herbert did not fancy being called the Carr boy, but he was there to
ask a favor, and he thought it prudent not to show his
dissatisfaction. He resolved to come to the point at once.

"I have called, Squire Walsingham," he commenced, "to ask if you
will use your influence to have my mother retained in charge of the
post office."

"Ahem!" said the squire, somewhat embarrassed. "I am not in charge
of the post-office department."

"No, sir, I am aware of that; but the postmaster general will be
influenced by the recommendations of people in the village."

"Very true!" said the squire, complacently. "Very true, and very
proper. I do not pretend to say that my recommendation would not
weigh with the authorities at Washington. Indeed, the member from