He had a secret of his own that day which might have rendered him less curious about the secrets of others.

There were scarcely enough shoes finished to take to Dale, only a half-lot, but Jerome announced his intention of going, to Ozias Lamb, with assumed carelessness.
"Why don't ye wait till the lot is finished ?" asked Ozias.
"Guess I'll take a half-lot this time," replied Jerome.
Ozias eyed him sharply, but said nothing.
Jerome had in his room a little iron-bound strong-box which had belonged to his father, though few treasures had poor Abel Edwards ever had occasion to store in it.

After dinner that noon Jerome went up-stairs, unlocked the strong-box, took out some coins, handling them carefully lest they jingle, and put them in his leather wallet.
Then he went down-stairs and out the front door as stealthily as if he had been thieving.

Elmira and her mother were at work in the parlor, and saw him go down the walk and disappear up the road.
"I'll tell you what 'tis," said Mrs.Edwards, with one of her sharp, confirmatory nods, "J'rome's been takin' out some of that money, an' he's goin' to Dale to get him some new clothes." "What makes you think so ?" "Oh, you see if he 'ain't.

He 'ain't got a coat nor a vest fit to wear to that party, an' he knows it.