"What!"
"Yes," said the young man."There ought to be an opening here for me.I'm a graduate of as good a law-school as there is in the country--""You are!""Certainly," said Joe, quietly."I've put myself through, working in the summer--""Working!" Mr.Louden snorted."Side-shows?""Oh, worse than that, sometimes," returned his son, laughing."Anything I could get.But I've always wanted to come back home and work here."Mr.Louden leaned forward, a hand on each knee, his brow deeply corrugated."Do you think you'll get much practice in Canaan?""Why not? I've had a year in a good office in New York since I left the school, and I think Iought to get along all right.""Oh," said Mr.Louden, briefly."You do?""Yes.Don't you?""Who do you think in Canaan would put a case in your hands?""Oh, I don't expect to get anything important at the start.But after a while ""With your reputation?"The smile which had faded from Joe's lips returned to them."Oh, I know they thought Iwas a harum-scarum sort of boy," he answered lightly, "and that it was a foolish thing to run away for nothing; but you had said I mustn't come to you for help--""I meant it," said Mr.Louden.
"But that's seven years ago, and I suppose the town's forgotten all about it, and forgotten me, too.So, you see, I can make a fresh start.That's what I came back for.""You've made up your mind to stay here, then?""Yes.""I don't believe," said Mr.Louden, with marked uneasiness, "that Mrs.Louden would be willing to let you live with us.""No," said Joe, gently."I didn't expect it."He turned to the window and looked out, averting his face, yet scoring himself with the contempt he had learned to feel for those who pity themselves.
His father had not even asked him to sit down.There was a long silence, disturbed only by Mr.Louden's breathing, which could be heard, heavy and troubled.
At last Joe turned again, smiling as before.
"Well, I won't keep you from your work," he said.
"I suppose you're pretty busy--"
"Yes, I am," responded his father, promptly.