A word and a look of hers, to one and the other, made all smooth; and they went on again talking, of happy nothings, till it was time to separate for the night.

It was only then that Mr.Landholm touched on any matter of more than slight interest.
"Well, Rufus," he said when at last they rose from their chairs, -- "are you all ready for College ?" "Yes sir." A little shadow upon both faces -- a very little.
"I am glad of it.

Well keep ready; -- you'll go yet one of these days -- the time will come.

You must see if you can't be contented to keep at home a spell.

We'll shove you off by and by." Neither party very well satisfied with the decision, but there was no more to be said.
To keep at home was plain enough; to be contented was another matter.