They saw through it all, and understood my position.

When I spoke to them about my friend the mayor, they looked surprised, and said a recommendation from him would satisfy them.

So you see just how I am situated." "Why don't you go to him at once, and ask him for the recommendation ?" said Katy wondering why he hesitated at so plain a case.
But Master Simon had some scruples about doing so.

He was old enough to know that it was rather a delicate business to ask a man in a high official station for a testimonial on so slight an acquaintance.

The mayor was interested in Katy, though she did not presume to call him her friend.