"We haven't had much chance to be improvident!" said Herbert "We
have had to spend all our income, but we are not in debt--that is,
we have no debts that we are unable to pay."

"That is well," said Squire Walsingham, "but, my young
constituent--I mean my young friend--I apprehend that you do not
take a right view of public office. It is not designed to support a
privileged class in luxury."

"Luxury, on four hundred a year!" replied Herbert.

"I am speaking in general terms," said the squire, hastily. "I mean
to say that I cannot recommend a person to office simply because he
or she needs the income."

"No, sir, I know that; but my mother understands the duties of the
office, and no complaint has been made that she does not make a good
postmaster."

"Possibly," said the squire, non-committally; "but I am opposed upon
principle to conferring offices upon women. Men are more efficient,
and better qualified to discharge responsible duties."

"Then, sir," said Herbert, his heart sinking, "I am to understand
that you do not favor the appointment of my mother?"

"I should be glad to hear that your mother was doing well," said the
squire, "but I cannot conscientiously favor the appointment of a
woman to be postmaster of Wayneboro."