"Got plenty of money, I take it?" continued Ebenezer, who had a good
share of curiosity.

"Yes; he tells me he is rich."

"How much money has he got?"

"He didn't tell me that."

"Well, I declare! You're lucky, that's a fact!"

There was an interested listener to this conversation in the person
of Eben, who had been in the store all day, taking Herbert's place.
As we know, the position by no means suited the young man. He had
been employed in a store in Boston, and to come back to a small
country grocery might certainly be considered a descent. Besides,
the small compensation allowed him was far from satisfying Eben.

He was even more dissatisfied when he learned how fortunate Herbert
was. To be selected as a companion by a rich young man was just what
he would have liked himself, and he flattered himself that he should
make a more desirable companion than a mere boy like Herbert.

As our hero was leaving the store, Eben called him back.

"What was that you were telling father about going round with a
young man from the city?" he asked.

Herbert repeated it.