"So you have come home to assist your father," he said, politely.

"Well, no, not exactly," answered Eben, "I feel that a country store
isn't my sphere."

"Then you propose to go back to the city?"

"Probably I shall do so eventually, but I may stay here in Wayneboro
a while if I can make satisfactory arrangements. I assure you that
it was not my wish to take Herbert Carr's place."

"Herbert told me that you had assumed his duties."

"It is only ad interim. I assure you, it is only ad interim. I am
quite ready to give back the place to Herbert, who is better suited
to it than I."

"I wonder what the fellow is driving at," thought Melville. Eben did
not long leave him in doubt.

"Herbert tells me that he has made an engagement with you,"
continued Eben, desiring to come to his business as soon as
possible.

"Yes, we have made a mutual arrangement."

"Of course, it is very nice for him; and so I told him."

"I think I am quite as much a gainer by it as he is," said Melville.