Another home near by could be secured, I had no doubt, and to it Mother might be safely and easily moved.

Yet I hesitated to express even a qualified willingness.
"You appear to be certain that I will sell," I observed.

"Isn't that taking a good deal for granted, Mr.Keene ?" He smiled--in fact he smiled almost too often to please me.

There is such a thing as being too cordial and good-natured; and he was so very friendly on short acquaintance.
"I understand," he said.

"I have heard about you, Mr.Paine.