The little black house began to appear rusty and inconvenient; a coat of white paint would marvellously improve its appearance; a set of nice Paris-green blinds would make a palace of it; and a neat fence around it would positively transform the place into a paradise.

Yet Bobby was audacious enough to think of these things, and even to promise himself that they should be obtained.
In conversation with Mr.Bayard a few days before, that gentleman had suggested a new field of labor; and it had been arranged that Bobby should visit the State of Maine the following week.

On the banks of the Kennebec were many wealthy and important towns, where the intelligence of the people created a demand for books.

This time the little merchant was to take two hundred books, and be absent until they were all sold.
On Monday morning he started bright and early for the railroad station.

As usual, he called upon Squire Lee, and informed Annie that he should probably be absent three or four weeks.