"I wish," he thought, "I could get a place in one of the stores here.
There's more going on than there is in Waverley, and I could go over
Sundays to see Dr. Kent's family."

On the spur of the moment, he resolved to inquire if some of the
storekeepers did not require help. There was a large dry-goods store--
the largest in the village--kept by Beckford & Keyes. He entered and
inquired for the senior partner.

"Mr. Beckford is not in," said the clerk. "Mr. Keyes is standing at that
desk."

Herbert went up to the desk, and said inquiringly, "Mr. Keyes?"

"That is my name," said that gentleman, pleasantly. "Is there anything I
can do for you?"

"I am in search of a place," said our hero, "and I thought you might
have a vacancy here."

"We have none just at present," said Mr. Keyes, who was favorably
impressed by Herbert's appearance; "but it is possible we may have in a
few weeks. Where do you live? Not in the village, I suppose?"

"No, sir," said Herbert, and a shadow passed over his face, "My mother
died three weeks since, and I am now stopping at the house of Dr. Kent."

"Dr. Kent--ah, yes, I know the doctor. He is an excellent man."