"Be careful of the ring, Aunt Deborah," said Ferdinand. "Remember, I
expect to redeem it again."
"I'll take good care of it, nephew, never fear!"
"If it were a little smaller, you could wear it, yourself."
"How would Deborah Kensington look with a diamond ring? The
neighbors would think I was crazy. No: I'll keep it in a safe place,
but I won't wear it."
"Now, Aunt Deborah, I must speak about other arrangements. Don't you
think it would be well to start for San Francisco as soon as
possible? You know I enter upon my duties as soon as I get there."
"Yes, Ferdinand, I think you ought to."
"I wish I could spare the time to spend a week with you, aunt; but
business is business, and my motto is, business before pleasure."
"And very proper, too, Ferdinand," said the old lady, approvingly.
"So I think I had better leave Centreville tomorrow."
"May be you had. You must write and let me know when you get there,
and how you like your place."
"So I will, and I shall be glad to know that you take an interest in
me. Now, aunt, as I have some errands to do, I will walk to the
village and come back about the middle of the afternoon."
"Won't you be back to dinner?"
"No, I think not, aunt."
"Very well, Ferdinand. Come as soon as you can."
Half an hour later, Ferdinand entered the office of the "Centreville
Gazette.
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