Page:Baum--Tamawaca folks.djvu/97

Rh he could not be entirely happy without it.

But it would be wrong to deceive Susie and the kindly Carletons. When he left, after accepting an invitation to an informal bridge party arranged for that evening, Mr. Carleton walked down to the post-office with him, and Jim promptly relieved himself of his secret on the way.

But the old gentleman cut short his explanation.

"I know, Ingram," he said. "Susie heard the story from some of her girl friends, and it has pleased us to know you are able to enjoy a brief relaxation from your tedious and confining work. But did you not once tell me that you are a Cornell man?"

"Yes, sir."

"Could n't you find a better opening than a clerkship?"

"Not at first, Mr. Carleton. I was n't prepared for a profession, you see, and I have discovered that people