"That darky shall rue this job," Guy said, savagely, as he gazed
pityingly upon the shaky old creature beside him. "I'll discharge him
to-morrow."

"No, young man. Don't be rash. He'll never do't again; and sprigs like
him think they've a right to make fun of old codgers like me," was
grandpa's meek expostulation.

"Do, pray, Guy, how long must we wait here?" Agnes asked, impatiently,
leaning back in the carriage and partially drawing her veil over her
face as she glanced at Grandpa Markham, but a look from Guy silenced
her; and turning again to grandpa, he asked:

"What did you say? You have been to Aikenside to see me?"

"Yes, and I was sorry to miss you. I--I--it makes me feel awkward to
tell you, but I wanted to borrow some money, and I didn't know nobody
as likely to have it as you. That woman up to your house said she
knowed you wouldn't let me have it, 'cause you hadn't it to spare.
Mebby you haven't," and grandpa waited anxiously for Guy's reply.

Now, Mrs. Noah had a singular influence over her young master, who was
in the habit of consulting her with regard to his affairs, and nothing
could have been more unpropitious to the success of grandpa's suit
than the knowing she disapproved. Beside this, Guy had only the
previous week lost a small amount loaned under similar circumstances.
Standing silent for a moment, while he buried and reburied his shining
patent leather boots in the hills of sand, he said at last: "Candidly,
sir, I don't believe I can accommodate you. I am about to make repairs
at Aikenside, and have partially promised to loan money on good