By the way, what is this that Tom was telling me about Ben being sent to New York to buy goods for the store ?" "It is true, if that is what you mean." "Bless my soul! It is very strange of Crawford, and I may add, not very judicious." "I suppose Mr.Crawford is the best judge of that, sir." "Even if the boy were competent, which is not for a moment to be thought of, it is calculated to foster his self-conceit." "Ben is not self-conceited," said Mrs.Barclay, ready to resent any slur upon her boy.

"He has excellent business capacity, and if he were older I should not need to ask favors of anyone." "You are a mother, and naturally set an exaggerated estimate upon your son's ability, which, I presume, is respectable, but probably not more.

However, let that pass.

I did not call to discuss Ben but to inquire whether you had not thought better of the matter we discussed the other evening." "I never shall, Squire Davenport.

When the time comes you can foreclose, if you like, but it will never be done with my consent." "Ahem! Your consent will not be required." "And let me tell you, Squire Davenport, if you do this wicked thing, it won't benefit you in the end." Squire Davenport shrugged his shoulders.
"I am not at all surprised to find you so unreasonable, Mrs.Barclay," he said.