He and his opinions were liked and respected.

When he came into the store, therefore, on this occasion, Zoeth and Shad welcomed him, asked him to sit down, and the conversation began with the astonishing rise in the price of sea-front property and drifted from that to other timely and general topics.
Just how it drifted to Mary-'Gusta and her future neither of the partners could have told--however, drift there it did, and they found themselves chanting her praises to their caller, who seemed much interested.
"She is a remarkably capable girl," observed Mr.Keith.

"And before we realize it she will be a young woman.

Are you planning that she shall keep store and keep house for you the rest of her life, or the rest of yours ?" Zoeth shook his head.

"Why," he said, mildly, "I don't know's we've planned much about it so fur.