"Herbert was right. He is easily suited," said Eben, to himself.

"Of course," Eben added, clearing his throat, "Herbert isn't so much
of a companion to you as if he were a few years older."

"I don't know that; it seems to me that he is a very pleasant
companion, young as he is."

"To be sure, Herbert is a nice boy, and father was glad to help him
along by giving him a place, with a larger salary than he ever paid
before."

"What is he driving at?" thought Melville.

"To come to the point, Mr. Melville," said Eben, "I have made bold
to call upon you to suggest a little difference in your
arrangements."

"Indeed!" said Melville, coldly. Though he had no idea what his
singular visitor was about to propose, it struck him emphatically
that Eben was interfering in an unwarrantable manner with his
affairs.

"You see," continued Eben, "I'm a good deal nearer your age than
Herbert, and I've had the advantage of residing in the city, which
Herbert hasn't, and naturally should be more company to you. Then,
again, Herbert could do the work in the post office and store, which
I am doing, nearly as well as I can. I'll undertake to get father to
give him back his place, and then I shall be happy to make an