? ? ? ? "I am glad to see you, Jefferson," he said, his face lighting up with pleasure. "I heard you were in town and I hoped you wouldn't fail to call upon me."
? ? ? ? "I was sure to call, for you were always a good friend to me as well as many others."
? ? ? ? "I always looked upon you as one of my boys, Jefferson. I hear that you have been doing well."
? ? ? ? "Yes, Mr. Canfield. I have done better than I have let people know."
? ? ? ? "Have you been to see your uncle? Poor man, he is in trouble."
? ? ? ? "He is no longer in trouble. The mortgage is paid off, and as far as Squire Sheldon is concerned he is independent."
? ? ? ? "Indeed, that is good news," said the old minister with beaming face. "You must surely have done well if you could furnish money enough to clear the farm. It was over a thousand dollars, wasn't it?"
? ? ? ? "Yes, thirteen hundred. My young friend, Rodney Ropes, and myself managed it between us."
? ? ? ? "I am glad to see you, Mr. Ropes. Come in both of you. Mrs. Canfield will be glad to welcome you."
? ? ? ? They followed him into the sitting room, the floor of which was covered by an old and faded carpet.
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