Grant thanked him, and was better pleased than if he had received an
immediate gift.

Meanwhile Deacon Gridley kept his promise, and advanced the minister
fifty dollars, deducting a month's interest. Even with this
deduction Mrs. Thornton was very glad to obtain the money. Part of
it was paid on account to Mr. Tudor, and silenced his importunities
for a time. As to his own plans, there was nothing for Grant to do
except to continue his studies, as he might enter college after all.

If any employment should offer of a remunerative character, he felt
that it would be his duty to accept it, in spite of his uncle's
objections; but such chances were not very likely to happen while he
remained in the country, for obvious reasons.

Three weeks passed, and again not only Mr. Tudor, but another
creditor, began to be troublesome.

"How soon is your father going to pay up his bill?" asked Tudor,
when Grant called at the store for a gallon of molasses.

"Very soon, I hope," faltered Grant.

"I hope so, too," answered the grocer, grimly.

"Only three weeks ago I paid you thirty-three dollars," said Grant.

"And you have been increasing the balance ever since," said Tudor,
frowning.