"
"I've made good progress," said the young man to himself, as he
lounged over the farm. "The old lady swallows it all. To-morrow
must come my grand stroke. I thought I wouldn't propose it to-day,
for fear she'd suspect the ring story."
CHAPTER XX.
A BUSINESS TRANSACTION.
Ferdinand found life at the farm-house rather slow, nor did he
particularly enjoy the society of the spinster whom he called aunt.
But he was playing for a valuable stake, and meant to play out his
game.
"Strike while the iron is hot!" said he to himself; "That's a good
rule; but how shall I know when it is hot? However, I must risk
something, and take my chances with the old lady."
Aunt Deborah herself hastened his action. Her curiosity had been
aroused by Ferdinand's intimation that he wished her advice on a
matter of business, and the next morning, after breakfast, she said,
"Ferdinand, what was that you wanted to consult me about? You may as
well tell me now as any time."
"Here goes, then!" thought the young man.
"I'll tell you, aunt. You know I am offered a large salary in San
Francisco?"
"Yes, you told me so."
"And, as you said the other day, I can lay up half my salary, and in
time become a rich man."
"To be sure you can."
"But there is one difficulty in the way."
"What is that?"
"I must go out there."
"Of course you must," said the old lady, who did not yet see the
point.
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