I have perfect confidence in you." "Thank you for that, Mrs.Hamilton," said Ben gratefully.
"Yet I am about to take a course that will surprise you." "What is that ?" "I am going to let you leave me for a time, and put Conrad in your place." Ben looked bewildered, as well he might.

There was nothing that would have surprised him more.
"Then I am afraid you don't find me satisfactory," he said anxiously.
"Why not ?" "You discharge me from your service." "No" answered Mrs.Hamilton, smiling; "I have other work for you to do.

I mean to give you a confidential commission." Ben's face brightened up immediately.
"You will find me faithful," he said, "and I hope I may repay your confidence." "I think you will.

I will explain matters to you before you reach the house, as I don't want Mrs.Hill or Conrad to know about the matter.
Indeed, for reasons of my own, I shall let them think that I discharged you." Ben smiled; he was not averse to such a plan.
"And now for the business.

I own a farm in the western part of Pennsylvania.