"By the way, Hiram," said Quincy, "I believe you told me once that Mrs.
Hawkins, who keeps the house where the Professor boards, is Mandy
Skinner's mother."
"Yaas," said Hiram, "Mandy's father died and her mother married Jonas
Hawkins. He wasn't much account afore he was married, but I understand
that he has turned out to be a rale handy man 'round the boardin' house.
Mrs. Hawkins's a mighty smart woman, and she knew just what kind of a
man she wanted."
"Well," said Quincy, "I want you to tell Mandy to see her mother as soon
as she can, and engage the best room that she has left in the house for
a gentleman that I expect down here from Boston next Monday night.
Here's ten dollars, and have Mandy tell her that this is her week's pay
in advance for room and board, counting from to-day."
"Waal, I don't believe she'll take it," said Hiram; "she's a mighty
smart woman and mighty clus in money matters, but she's no skin, and I
don't believe she'll take ten dollars for one week's board and room."
"Well, if she won't take it," remarked Quincy, "Mandy may have the
balance of it for her trouble.
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