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 there as you might say." William pointed to the ground. "And now I'm his assistant."

"At how much a week," said the practical June, "if the question isn't rude?"

"I get fifteen shillings."

"A week?"

"Yes. And board and lodging."

She looked the young man steadily in the eyes. "You are worth more."

"If the master thinks I'm worth more, he'll give it to me."

June pursed her lips and shook a dubious head. Evidently she was not convinced.

"Oh, yes, I'm sure he will. In fact, he's promised to raise my wages half a crown from the first of the new year."

"I should just think so!" said June looking him still in the eyes.

"Of course I always get everything found."

"What about your clothes?"

With an air of apology he had to own that clothes were not included; yet to offset this reluctant admission he laid stress on the fact that his master had taught him all that he knew.

June could not resist a frown. Nice as he was, she would not have minded shaking him a little. No Simon had a right to be quite so simple as this one.

A pause followed. And then the young man suddenly said: "Miss June would you care to see something I bought the other day at Crowdham Market?"

"I'd love to," said the gracious Miss June. She had seen 'the something' already but just now she was by no means averse from having another look at it.