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diff --git a/old/55598-0.txt b/old/55598-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index dbb286e..0000000 --- a/old/55598-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9129 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Shifting For Himself, by Horatio Alger Jr. - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Shifting For Himself - or Gilbert Greyson's Fortunes - -Author: Horatio Alger Jr. - -Release Date: September 22, 2017 [EBook #55598] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, Elizabeth Oscanyan and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net -(This file was produced from images generously made -available by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; - - OR, - - GILBERT GREYSON’S FORTUNES. - - - BY - - HORATIO ALGER, Jr., - - AUTHOR OF “RAGGED DICK,” “TATTERED TOM,” “LUCK AND PLUCK,” - “BRAVE AND BOLD” SERIES. - - - THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., - PHILADELPHIA, - CHICAGO, TORONTO. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - FAMOUS ALGER BOOKS. - - -------------- - - -=RAGGED DICK SERIES.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 6 vols. 12mo. Cloth. - - RAGGED DICK. - FAME AND FORTUNE. - MARK THE MATCH BOY. - ROUGH AND READY - BEN THE LUGGAGE BOY. - RUFUS AND ROSE. - -=TATTERED TOM SERIES.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. FIRST -SERIES. - - TATTERED TOM. - PHIL THE FIDDLER. - PHIL THE FIDDLER - SLOW AND SURE - -=TATTERED TOM SERIES.= 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. SECOND SERIES. - - JULIUS. - THE YOUNG OUTLAW. - SAM’S CHANCE. - THE TELEGRAPH BOY. - -=CAMPAIGN SERIES.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 3 vols. - - FRANK’S CAMPAIGN. - PAUL PRESCOTT’S CHARGE. - CHARLIE CODMAN’S CRUISE. - -=LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. -FIRST SERIES. - - LUCK AND PLUCK. - STRONG AND STEADY. - STRIVE AND SUCCEED. - -=LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES.= 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. SECOND SERIES. - - TRY AND TRUST. - BOUND TO RISE. - RISEN FROM THE RANKS. - HERBERT CARTER’S LEGACY. - -=BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. - - BRAVE AND BOLD. - JACK’S WARD. - SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF. - WAIT AND HOPE. - -=PACIFIC SERIES.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. - - THE YOUNG ADVENTURER. - THE YOUNG MINER. - THE YOUNG EXPLORERS. - BEN’S NUGGET. - -=ATLANTIC SERIES.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. - - THE YOUNG CIRCUS RIDER. - DO AND DARE. - HECTOR’S INHERITANCE. - HELPING HIMSELF. - -=WAY TO SUCCESS SERIES.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. - - BOB BURTON. - THE STORE BOY. - LUKE WALTON. - STRUGGLING UPWARD. - -=NEW WORLD SERIES.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth. - - DIGGING FOR GOLD. - FACING THE WORLD. - IN A NEW WORLD. - - _Other Volumes in Preparation._ - - -------------------------------------------------- - - COPYRIGHT BY A. K. LORING, 1876. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - To - - JOSEPH T. PRESTON, - - OF NEW YORK, - - WHO HONORABLY REPRESENTS THE “ART PRESERVATIVE OF - ALL ARTS,” WITHOUT WHOSE AID AUTHORS WOULD - WRITE TO LITTLE PURPOSE, - - - This Volume is Dedicated - - WITH FRIENDLY REGARD. - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - PREFACE. - - -“Shifting for Himself” records the experiences of a boy who, in the -course of a preparation for college, suddenly finds himself reduced to -poverty. He is obliged to leave his books, and give up his cherished -plans. How cheerfully Gilbert Greyson accepted the situation, and -settled down to regular work, what obstacles he encountered and -overcame, and what degree of success he met with in the end, the reader -of this story will learn. - -Though it must be admitted that Gilbert was more fortunate than the -majority of boys in his position, it is claimed that he displayed -qualities which may wisely be imitated by all boys who are called upon -to shift for themselves. In the last three years many thousand American -boys have been compelled, like Gilbert, to give up their cherished -hopes, and exchange school-life for narrow means and hard work. Nothing -is more uncertain than riches; and such cases are liable to occur at all -times. I shall be glad if the story of Gilbert Greyson and his fortunes -gives heart or hope to any of my young readers who are similarly placed. -The loss of wealth often develops a manly self-reliance, and in such -cases it may prove a blessing in disguise. - -NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 1876. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; - - OR, - - GILBERT GREYSON’S FORTUNES. - - -------------- - - - - - CHAPTER I. - - TWO SCHOOL-FELLOWS. - - -Dr. Burton’s boarding-school was in a ferment of hope and expectation. -To-morrow was the end of the term, and vacation, so dear to the heart of -every school-boy, was close at hand. - -The school was not a large one. There were twenty-four boarding pupils, -and an equal number of day-scholars from the village of Westville, in -which the school had been established twenty years before. It was -favorably situated, being only forty miles from New York. Half the -boarding-scholars were from the city, and half from more distant places. -Generally two or three pupils were sent to college each year, and, as -the principal was a thorough scholar, maintained a creditable, often a -high rank. - -The school-session was over, and the boys separated into little knots. -The day-scholars mostly went home, carrying their books under their -arms. - -Among the little knots we must direct particular attention to two boys, -one a boarding-scholar, the other a day-scholar. The first was Gilbert -Greyson, a handsome, spirited boy of sixteen; the other, John Munford, -of about the same age, and much more plainly dressed. John was the son -of a carpenter, of limited means, and had already begun to learn his -father’s business. But the father was sensible of the advantages of -education, and had permitted his son to spend six months of each year at -school, on condition that he would work the balance of the time. This -arrangement seemed fair to John, and he took care, whether he studied or -worked, to do both in earnest. - -“How do you feel about vacation, John?” asked Gilbert. - -“I was in no hurry to have it come, Gilbert. It is likely to be a very -long vacation to me.” - -“How so?” - -“I have got through my school-life.” - -“What! Are you not coming back next term?” asked Gilbert, with evident -disappointment, for John was his most intimate friend. - -“Neither next term, nor any other term, Gilbert, I am sorry to say.” - -“Have you finished your education, then?” - -“So far as school goes.” - -“I am sorry for that. I shall miss you more than any one else.” - -“We shall still meet, I hope. I shall be at work; but there will be -times—in the evening—when we can see each other.” - -“No doubt; but that won’t be like sitting at the same desk, and studying -together. You had better let me ask your father to send you one more -year.” - -John shook his head. - -“No, Gilbert, it ought not to be. My father is poor you know, and it has -been a sacrifice to him to spare me half the year thus far. Now I must -go to work in earnest, and perfect myself in my trade, that I may -relieve him of all expense on my account.” - -“I suppose you are right, John; but I shall miss you none the less. -Somehow I never could be reconciled to your becoming a carpenter. You -are not cut out for it.” - -“Don’t you think I will make a good one?” asked John, smiling. - -“I am sure you will; but that isn’t the question. Do you think you are -better fitted for that than for anything else?” - -“No, I don’t.” - -“Do you prefer that trade to any other business?” - -“No; but I can’t choose for myself. I should rather be a teacher, or a -lawyer; but there is small chance for either. For either I should be -obliged to study years, and I can’t afford to do that. A carpenter I am -to be, and I will try to make a good one. Now, your case is different. -You are going to school next year, I suppose?” - -“Yes, I suppose so. That is as my guardian determines, and no letter has -been received from him yet. I believe Dr. Burton is expecting one to-day -or to-morrow.” - -“You won’t spend the summer here, I suppose, Gilbert?” - -“I am hoping to make a little tour, as I did last year.” - -“You went to the White Mountains then.” - -“Yes, and had a jolly good time.” - -“Where will you go this year?” - -“I want to go to Niagara, stopping on the way at Saratoga. I have -estimated that I can do it for a hundred dollars,—the same that my last -summer’s trip cost me.” - -“It must be splendid to travel,” said John, enthusiastically. “I mean to -see something of the world some day, though I suspect that I shall be a -pretty old boy before I am able to. I have no guardian to send me money. -I must earn my money before I spend it.” - -“I never earned a dollar in my life,” said Gilbert. “I wonder how it -would seem if I had to support myself, and make my own way in the -world.” - -“It would seem hard at first. It comes natural to me; but then I have -been differently brought up from you.” - -“I rather envy you, John,” said Gilbert, thoughtfully. “You are so much -more self-reliant, so much better able to take care of yourself.” - -“It’s the difference in the training, Gilbert. I’ve no doubt it’s in -you; but circumstances have never brought it out. You expect to go to -Yale College a year hence, don’t you?” - -“I expect to; at least that has been Dr. Burton’s plan; but my guardian -has never expressed his opinion. He has simply given his consent to my -pursuing the course preparatory to entrance. I presume I shall go, -however.” - -“What sort of a man is your guardian?” - -“I have never seen much of him. He lives in the city, you know; but he -never seemed to care to have me in his home much. He is a merchant, and -appears to be wealthy. At any rate, he lives in a fine house up-town, -and keeps up a good style of living.” - -“Who appointed him your guardian?” - -“I don’t know. I suppose my father.” - -“Is your father living?” - -“I don’t know.” - -“Don’t know!” exclaimed John, opening his eyes. - -“It seems strange to you; but I cannot give any explanation. My guardian -tells me I shall know some time; meanwhile I am to ask no questions.” - -“Did that satisfy you?” - -“No; but when I pressed my question I was silenced. I was told that I -must be satisfied with being so well provided for, without trying to -penetrate into matters that did not concern me.” - -“I should think it did concern you.” - -“So I do think; but there is no use in thinking about it. It would only -perplex me to no purpose.” - -“I can’t put myself in your place at all. To me it seems so natural to -have a father and mother, and sister. How lonely you must feel!” - -“I have never been used to them. And that makes a difference. Sometimes, -to be sure, I begin to think over the matter and wish that I had ties -like other boys; but it doesn’t last long. But here we are at your -home.” - -“Come in a minute, Gilbert.” - -“I don’t know if I ought. I shall be late to supper, and the doctor -wouldn’t like that.” - -“Take supper with us.” - -“Yes, take supper with us,” echoed John’s mother, a pleasant, -motherly-looking woman, who heard her son’s words of invitation as he -opened the door. - -Gilbert hesitated. - -The little table spread for tea looked so much more comfortable and -home-like than the long table at the doctor’s, that he was strongly -tempted. - -“We may not have as nice a supper as the doctor,” continued Mrs. -Munford, “but you may not mind that for once.” - -“You give the doctor’s table too much credit,” said Gilbert, smiling. -“He doesn’t mean to pamper any of us, or make us gluttons. I would a -great deal rather take supper here.” - -“Then stay, Gilbert.” - -“I will,” said Gilbert, in a tone of quick decision. “If the doctor -scolds, why let him.” - -“He won’t feel anxious about your not being back, will he?” asked Mrs. -Munford. - -“No; he knows I can take pretty good care of myself. Besides, it will be -a saving to him, all the more because I have a very good appetite.” - -All laughed, for Dr. Burton, though on the whole a very worthy man, had -the reputation of being what New Englanders call close. It was thought -that he was more economical than he needed to be. At any rate he had -made his school profitable, and was assessed for a very considerable sum -in the list of village property-holders. - -“How do you do, Mary?” said Gilbert, offering his hand to a girl of ten, -John’s sister, who just then entered the room. - -“Pretty well,” said Mary, shyly. - -“Don’t blush so, Mary,” said John, teasing her as brothers are apt to -do. - -“I wasn’t blushing,” said Mary, indignantly. - -“Just because Gilbert spoke to you.” - -“You are too bad, John,” said his mother. - -“How soon will supper be ready, mother?” asked John. - -“In half an hour. Why; are you very impatient?” - -“No; but I thought there might be time for Gilbert and me to have a -catch in the yard.” - -“I’ll tell you of a better way of filling up your time.” - -“What is that?” - -“I am almost out of wood. Can’t you saw me up a little?” - -“I am afraid it will be dull to Gilbert to look on,” said John. - -“I don’t propose to look on. You shall saw, and I will split.” - -“I don’t like to set a visitor to work,” said Mrs. Munford. “I didn’t -expect you to work for your supper.” - -“I shall enjoy it all the more. Come along, John. You’ll see what -execution I will make with your wood-pile.” - -As the two boys passed out into the woodshed, Mrs. Munford said, “I like -Gilbert. Though he is rich, he doesn’t put on any airs, but makes -himself at home even among such plain people as we are.” - - - - - CHAPTER II. - - THE GUARDIAN’S LETTER. - - -When supper was over, the boys took a walk, bringing round by the large -square house occupied by Dr. Burton for his boarding-school. They had -got within a few rods when John observed one of the younger boys running -towards them. - -“There’s little Evans,” he said. “He looks as if he had a message for -you, Gilbert.” - -“From the doctor, I suppose. I’m in for a scolding, probably.” - -By this time Evans had reached them. - -“You’re wanted, Greyson,” he said. “Why weren’t you home to supper?” - -“Is the doctor mad?” - -“I don’t know. He seems anxious to see you.” - -“All right. Then I’ll go in. I must bid you good-night, John. Business -before pleasure, you know, or rather business after pleasure.” - -“I hope the business won’t be serious.” - -“I hope not. Good-night.” - -“Good-night, Gilbert.” - -There was a small room about twelve feet square, which was known as Dr. -Burton’s study. There was a desk beside the window, and book-shelves -occupying the sides of the room. Hither it was that refractory or -disobedient pupils were summoned, to receive admonition from the -principal. In his early experience as teacher he had employed a sterner -sort of discipline, but later he had substituted words for blows—very -wisely, as I think. - -Gilbert went at once to the doctor’s study. - -Dr. Burton was a tall, spare man, with strongly marked features, and on -the whole rather a stern face. He looked toward the door as Gilbert -opened it. - -“Good-evening, sir,” said Gilbert. - -“You were absent from supper without notice or permission, Greyson,” the -doctor began. - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Where were you?” - -“I walked home with John Munford, and was invited to take supper there.” - -“I should have had no objection, if you had asked me. John Munford is -one of my most reliable pupils, both in study and deportment.” - -Gilbert was pleased at this commendation of his friend. - -“I hope you will excuse me for absence without permission,” he said, -apologizing with a good grace. - -“You are excused, Greyson.” - -Supposing that the interview was over, Gilbert bowed, and was about to -leave the room, but was stopped by the doctor. - -“Stay,” he said; “I have something more to say to you.” - -“What else have I done?” thought Gilbert, in surprise. - -“Sit down,” said the teacher. - -Gilbert seated himself. - -“How long have you been here, Greyson?” - -“Six years, sir.” - -“In a year more you would be ready for college,” said the doctor, -musing. - -“Why does he say ‘would’? Why not ‘will’?” thought Greyson. - -“Am I to go to college?” asked Gilbert. - -“I thought it probable; but I have just learned that your guardian has -other views for you.” - -“Have you a letter from my guardian?” asked Gilbert, eagerly. - -“Yes; it only reached me this afternoon. Would you like to read it?” - -“Very much, sir.” - -“Here it is,” said Dr. Burton, opening his desk, and drawing therefrom a -letter enclosed in a buff envelope. - -Gilbert quickly reached out for it. - -This was the material portion of the letter, which Gilbert read with -hurried interest:— - - “Circumstances will not permit my ward remaining with you another - year. I may say plainly that, should he do so, I should be compelled - to defray the expense out of my own pocket, and consideration for my - own family will not justify me in doing that. I have never, as you - know, promised positively that he should go to college. It was barely - possible that funds would be forthcoming which would admit of such a - course; but it is now quite certain that there is no chance of it. - - “He has already, as I should judge from your letters, considerably - more than an average education,—more, indeed, than I had when I began - my career,—and he ought to be satisfied with that. He has led an easy - life hitherto. Now it is time that he did something for himself. Upon - receipt of this letter, will you, as soon as may be, send him to me in - New York? I will then confer with him as to his future plans.” - -This letter was signed Richard Briggs. - -Gilbert read it with a mixture of feelings. He was making an unpleasant -discovery. Though he knew little about his own affairs, he had always -cherished the idea that he had considerable property, and that his path -in life would be smoothed as only money can smooth it. He was not -especially fond of money, nor did he ever presume on its supposed -possession, but it was certainly comfortable to think that he was not -poor. - -Now it appeared that he had been all his life under a mistake. He was -not a favored child of fortune after all, but a poor boy,—as poor, very -likely, as his friend John Munford, from whom he had just parted. No -wonder he looked with some bewilderment in the doctor’s face when he had -completed reading the letter. - -The doctor, though a stern man, felt for the boy’s disappointment. He, -too, had been under the impression that Gilbert was at least comfortably -provided for. - -“Well, Greyson,” he said, “I suppose this letter surprises you.” - -“Yes, sir, it does,” answered Gilbert, slowly. “I always supposed that I -had money to depend upon.” - -“I don’t like to reflect upon your guardian, but it seems to me he ought -to have apprised you beforehand of what you had to expect.” - -“I wish he had.” - -“Do you feel very much disappointed?” asked the doctor, eying his pupil -with interest. - -“Considerably, sir. It is hard to fancy myself a poor boy, with my own -way to make in the world.” - -“It might have been worse. You have, as your guardian suggests, more -than an average education.” - -“Thanks to you, sir.” - -“And to your own application,” added the doctor, gratified by this -tribute. - -“I am glad you think so, sir. I hope it will help me in life.” - -“Undoubtedly it will. Besides, you will have the influence of your -guardian to assist you. He will probably procure you a good place in -some counting-room.” - -“I wish he had told me something about myself; where the money came from -which had paid my bills hitherto.” - -Gilbert looked inquiringly at the doctor, as if to ask whether he could -throw any light upon these points. But he was destined to be -disappointed, for the doctor said, “He has not seen fit to take me into -his confidence. I know no more than you do on this subject. Perhaps, in -your approaching interview with him, he may give you information on the -subject.” - -“I will ask him, at all events,” said Gilbert. “When do you think it -best that I should leave, Dr. Burton?” - -“He wishes you to be sent ‘as soon as may be,’” said the doctor, -consulting the letter. “I should think you had better go to-morrow, or -the next day.” - -“I will go to-morrow,” said Gilbert, promptly. - -“Can you get ready so soon?” - -“I will pack to-night, sir.” - -“That shall be as you wish. If you would prefer to wait till another -day, you can of course do so.” - -“Thank you, sir; but I want to see my guardian as soon as possible. Will -you permit me, as the cars start early to-morrow, to go to-night, and -bid good-by to John Munford?” - -Under ordinary circumstances Dr. Burton would have declined this -application, but he felt that it was only natural, and he gave the -required permission without hesitation. - -John Munford was astonished when, on opening the front door, he saw the -school-fellow from whom he had so recently parted. - -“What’s the matter, Gilbert?” he asked; “has anything happened?” - -“Yes,” answered Gilbert. “Get your hat and take a walk with me. I’ll -tell you on the way.” - - - - - CHAPTER III. - - RICHARD BRIGGS. - - -Gilbert told his story briefly. - -“So you see,” he said in conclusion, “my position is like yours, after -all. I am thrown upon my own exertions, and must face the world, without -the help of money.” - -“I’m truly sorry,” said John, in a tone of sympathy. - -“Thank you, John; I knew you would be; but do you know, I am not sure -whether I am so very sorry myself.” - -“But it must be hard for you to give up the hope of wealth.” - -“I needn’t give up the hope,” said Gilbert, “only if the hope is to be -realized I shall have to make it for myself. As far as that goes I am no -worse off than you; but there is one advantage you have over me.” - -“You are a better scholar than I am.” - -“I don’t mean that. You have a father and mother and sister to encourage -you, while I have no one.” - -“You have a friend, Gilbert; but he can’t help you much.” - -“I know that, old fellow. You have been my most intimate friend for the -last three years, and I hope and believe that our friendship is going to -last. But I can’t help feeling alone in the world.” - -“Why don’t you ask your guardian about your father?” - -“I mean to; but I don’t believe he will tell me.” - -“Have you any idea what views he has for you?” - -“Not the slightest. I suppose he will provide me with a place -somewhere.” - -“Then you are entirely in the dark as to your prospects?” - -“Entirely so.” - -“I wish you would write to me, Gilbert, after you are settled. I shall -want to know all about it.” - -“I will certainly write. In fact, you will be my only correspondent. You -must write me about yourself, too.” - -“There won’t be much to write. My life will be uneventful. But you may -like to hear news of the village and the school, that is, after vacation -is over. I’ll write all that I think will interest you.” - -“Thank you. You may be sure I shall want to hear. And now, John, I must -bid you good-night, and good-by, for I am to start early in the morning, -and have not yet packed my trunk.” - -“Good-night, then. Take care of yourself, Gilbert.” - -“The same to you, John.” - -So the two boys parted, but they saw each other once more. As Gilbert -was about to get into the cars, John came up hurriedly and gave him a -farewell shake of the hand. - -“He’s a capital fellow,” thought Gilbert. “I hope he’ll have good luck, -and that we shall meet again soon.” - -An hour and a half brought our hero to the city. He stepped upon the -platform, and getting upon a horse-car rode down-town to his guardian’s -office. He had a check for his trunk, but did not claim it at once, not -feeling certain what would be his destination. - -In a busy street, not five minutes’ walk from Wall Street, was the -office of Richard Briggs. Gilbert had no trouble in finding it, for he -had been there before. Now, however, he had a new feeling as he entered -the handsomely fitted-up room. He was no longer the wealthy ward, but as -it appeared the humble dependent of the rich merchant whom he was to -meet. The change was not an agreeable one, but he had made up his mind -that he must face whatever was disagreeable in his position in a manly -way. - -“Is Mr. Briggs in?” he inquired, of a clerk who was writing at a desk. - -“Yes; but I don’t know if he will see you.” - -“He sent for me.” - -“Oh, did he? Well, he’s in there.” - -The clerk pointed to an inner room, partitioned off from the main -office. - -Gilbert approached it, and as the door was partially open entered, and, -removing his hat, said, “Good-morning, Mr. Briggs.” - -Mr. Briggs was a short man, inclined to be corpulent, with marked -features. - -He turned as he heard Gilbert’s salutation. - -“So you received my letter,” he said. - -“Dr. Burton did.” - -“Yes, I wrote to him. It’s all the same.” - -“I thought I had better come up at once, sir.” - -“You did right.” - -“I was rather surprised at what your letter contained. Dr. Burton let me -read it.” - -“You fancied yourself rich?” said the merchant, coldly. - -“Yes, sir; I had always been led to suppose so.” - -“I never told you so.” - -“You did not tell me I was poor, and would have to make my own way.” - -“You complain of that, do you?” demanded Mr. Briggs, frowning. - -“I wish I had known it before.” - -“It wasn’t necessary to tell you. As to that, my judgment is of course -superior to yours. You understand, do you, that you must now go to -work?” - -“I am ready, sir.” - -“Have you improved your time while at school?” - -“Dr. Burton could tell you better than I as to that.” - -“He would be more reliable, of course. Still you must have some idea. -Give me your own impressions. If you misrepresent, I shall find you -out.” - -“I shall not misrepresent, sir.” - -“Of course not,” said Mr. Briggs, ironically. “I suppose you were a -model scholar.” - -“No; I was not; but I think I did pretty well.” - -“What do you know?” - -“I can tell you how far I have been in my studies. I have been so far in -Latin and Greek that in another year—perhaps less—I should be prepared -for Yale College.” - -“You won’t go there. You can’t expect me to pay your expenses.” - -“I don’t,” said Gilbert, promptly. “I was only trying to give you an -idea of what I knew.” - -“Very well. Are you good in arithmetic?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“How far have you been?” - -“Through the book.” - -“That is well. How do you write?” - -“Shall I give you a specimen of my writing, sir?” - -“Yes. Here is a pen. Write anything you like. You may copy the first -three lines of this newspaper article.” - -Gilbert did so. - -“That will do very well. You don’t write rapidly enough, but you will in -time. I shall get you a place as soon as possible. Where is your trunk?” - -“At the depot.” - -“You can have it sent to my house. You will stay there till I can get -you a boarding-place or make some other arrangement for you. Do you know -where I live?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Give your check to an expressman, and tell him to bring it round. Stay, -here is my son. I will put you in his charge.” - -A boy, about Gilbert’s age, had just entered the office. He was the -counterpart of his father, and no one could be likely to mistake the -relationship. He glanced at Gilbert, but did not speak. - -“Randolph, this is Gilbert Greyson,” said his father. - -“Good-morning,” said Randolph, curtly. “Father, I want five dollars.” - -“What for? It seems to me you are always wanting money.” - -“Everybody needs money,” said the son, pertly. “I want to go to a -matinée this afternoon.” - -“I want you to go with Gilbert; he is going to stop with us a short -time.” - -“He’s old enough to take care of himself,” said Randolph, unpleasantly. - -“I can get along by myself,” said Gilbert, quickly. “I don’t want to -trouble your son.” - -There was no great self-denial in this. It did not seem to our hero that -he should particularly enjoy Randolph’s companionship. - -“At any rate you can go with him to the office of Adams’ Express. He -wants to send for his trunk.” - -“Will you give me the five dollars, then?” - -“Here it is. Don’t come again for a week.” - -“All right. Come along, whatever your name is.” - -This last polite invitation was addressed to our hero, who answered, -shortly, “My name is Gilbert Greyson.” - -“Well, come along. I’m in a hurry.” - -When they had reached the street, Randolph’s curiosity led him to say, -“I thought you were at school.” - -“So I was; but your father sent for me.” - -“He’s your guardian, isn’t he?” - -“So I thought; but he tells me I have no money, and must work for my -living.” - -“Oh, indeed!” said Randolph, superciliously. “That’s quite a different -matter.” - -Gilbert didn’t like his tone, but did not want to quarrel without cause. - -They walked on without further conversation. - -Presently Randolph said, “There’s the express office. Now you can look -after yourself.” - -He darted off, and Gilbert entered the office, not sorry to be rid of -his uncongenial companion. - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - - GILBERT MAKES A NEW ACQUAINTANCE. - - -Having arranged about his trunk, Gilbert took one of the -University-Place cars at the Astor House, and rode up-town. Mrs. Briggs -might not know of his coming, and the trunk might be refused. - -The house was a four-story brown-stone front, with English basement, -differing in no wise from the thousands of fashionable mansions to be -seen in the upper part of the city. - -Gilbert rang the bell. - -“Is Mrs. Briggs at home?” he inquired of the servant, who answered the -bell. - -“I don’t know, sir. I’ll see. Will you send your name?” - -Gilbert drew out a neat visiting-card bearing his name. The servant took -it, and carried it to her mistress. - -“Take a seat in the parlor, sir,” she said, on her return. “Mrs. Briggs -will be down directly.” - -The large parlor was showily furnished, in the regulation style. There -was a chilly splendor about it that carried with it no idea of comfort -or home feeling. Gilbert’s attention was drawn to a family portrait near -the front windows. There were three figures,—Mr. Briggs, Randolph, and a -lady, who was probably Mrs. Briggs. She had a high forehead, a thin -face, cold blue eyes, and pinched lips. Gilbert privately decided that -he should not like the original of that portrait. - -While he was examining it Mrs. Briggs entered. - -“Mr. Greyson?” she asked, in a chilly way. - -“Yes, madam.” - -“I believe I have not met you before. You are Mr. Briggs’ ward or -protégé?” - -“Yes, madam.” - -“I thought you were at a boarding-school somewhere in the country.” - -“So I have been, madam; but the term is at an end, and Mr. Briggs sent -for me to come to the city.” - -“Indeed! Have you seen Mr. Briggs this morning?” - -“Yes, madam. It is by his direction that I have ordered my trunk brought -here.” - -The lady arched her eyebrows slightly. - -“Then you propose to favor us with a visit,” she said. - -There was a slight emphasis on the word favor, which Gilbert felt to be -a sneer. - -“I am at Mr. Briggs’ disposal,” he answered. “He ordered me to come here -first. I hope I may not give you any trouble.” - -“Oh, no; you will excuse my remaining with you—I have an engagement. I -will tell the servants to receive your trunk, and put it in your room. -Our lunch will be ready at one o’clock.” - -“Thank you,” said Gilbert, hastily; “I think I shall not be here at -lunch. I want to go about the city.” - -It was eleven o’clock; and he was sure he could not kill the time in -that frigid parlor for two hours. - -“Very well,” said Mrs. Briggs; “then we shall see you at dinner. Our -dinner-hour is six.” - -“Thank you, madam.” - -“If you come earlier, you can ask to be shown to your room.” - -Gilbert thanked her again. - -“Now I must leave you. Good-morning.” - -Mrs. Briggs sailed out of the room, and Gilbert, following her, let -himself out into the street. - -“So that’s what they call a city mansion,” he said to himself. “I’d ten -times rather be in my room at Dr. Burton’s. I felt as if I was in danger -of stifling in that showy parlor. I hope I am not going to live there.” - -Gilbert had nowhere to go; but the city was a novelty, and he wandered -about the streets, looking about him with the keen interest of a country -visitor. - -A short walk brought him to the Fifth Avenue Hotel. He had heard of it -often, but never seen the interior. Attracted by curiosity he went in. -He took a seat near the door, and idly watched the people who were -continually going out and coming in. Among the latter he soon saw a -familiar face. Randolph Briggs lounged in, swinging a light cane. - -“Hallo!” he said, noticing Gilbert, “you here!” - -“So it seems,” said Gilbert. - -“You aint going to stop here, are you?” - -“For the present, I am staying at your house.” - -“Oh, yes, I forgot. Been up there?” - -“Yes.” - -“Did you see mother?” - -“For a few minutes.” - -“Didn’t she invite you to lunch?” - -“Yes; but I thought I should like to look round the city a little.” - -“What do you expect to do?” - -“I suppose I must get a place. As I have no property, I must do -something to earn my living.” - -“You don’t expect to stay at our house, do you?” - -“I don’t expect anything. I feel bound to be guided by your father.” - -“You see it would be awkward to have an office-boy at our table, meeting -our friends.” - -“I suppose so,” said Gilbert, his lip curling. - -“It wouldn’t be proper.” - -“I suppose you know best.” - -“Probably father will find you some cheap boarding-house. That will be -better for you, you know.” - -“It’s a pity you were not my guardian,” said Gilbert. - -“Why?” - -“Because you seem to understand so well what is best for me.” - -Randolph looked puzzled. Was this penniless boy chaffing him, or was he -in earnest? Randolph’s vanity led him to think the latter. - -“Yes, of course I do. I’ve lived in the city all my life. I ought to -know what’s what. Do you play billiards?” - -“No; I never learned.” - -“There’s a billiard-room below. I thought we might have a game.” - -“I never played a game in my life.” - -“Then there would be no fun for me. I guess I’ll go in and get a drink. -Are you thirsty?” - -“No, thank you.” - -“I’m going to the theatre afterwards—a matinée. I’ve only got one -ticket, but you can buy one at the door.” - -“Thank you; I would rather walk about the streets this afternoon.” - -Randolph lounged into the bar-room, ordered his drink, then lounged out -again. - -He nodded carelessly to Gilbert as he went out. - -“See you by and by,” he said. - -Gilbert bowed. - -“It doesn’t strike me I shall like that boy,” he said to himself. “I -wonder if his father knows about his drinking.” - -Gilbert amused himself for a little while longer watching those who -entered and departed from the great hotel. Then he went out into the -street, and proceeded down Broadway. He made slow progress, for there -was much to interest a stranger like himself in the busy life of the -street. At length it occurred to him that he would go to Central Park, -of which he had heard a great deal. By this time he had strayed to Sixth -Avenue and Fourteenth Street. - -At the same time with Gilbert a young girl of thirteen entered the car, -and, as chance would have it, she and our hero were seated side by side. - -Presently the conductor made his rounds. - -First he presented his hand for the young girl’s fare. She felt in her -pocket, but apparently in vain. Her face flushed, and she looked very -much embarrassed. - -“I think I forgot to bring my money,” she murmured. “I will get out.” - -“By no means,” said Gilbert, promptly. “Permit me to pay your fare. For -two,” he said, handing a ten-cent stamp to the conductor. - -“You are very kind,” said the young girl, looking relieved. “I live in -Forty-eighth Street, and should not have liked to walk so far. I am sure -I can’t tell how I happened to forget my money; I am ever so much -obliged to you.” - -“Oh, don’t mention it,” said Gilbert, privately thinking his new -acquaintance one of the prettiest girls he had ever met. - -“Will you give me your name and residence,” she asked, “that I may send -you the money?” - -“With pleasure, on condition that you won’t think of repaying such a -trifle,” said Gilbert. - -He drew out a card, added his guardian’s residence, and passed it to his -companion. - -“At any rate,” said the young girl, “you must call, and let mamma thank -you for your politeness to me. This is mine.” - -She handed Gilbert a petite card, with the name of - - “LAURA VIVIAN, - “No. — West 48th Street.” - -“Thank you,” said Gilbert. “I will call with pleasure, but not to -receive thanks.” - -After this the two young people continued to converse with a freedom -upon which they would not have ventured if older and more conventional; -and Gilbert was really sorry when his fair companion arrived at her -street and got out. - - - - - CHAPTER V. - - AT THE DINNER-TABLE. - - -At five o’clock Gilbert started from the park, where he had sauntered -about for several hours, and reached the house of Mr. Briggs half an -hour or more before dinner. - -“Your room is ready,” said the servant, who had received her -instructions. “Shall I show you the way up?” - -“If you please. Has my trunk come?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“The dinner-hour is six, I believe.” - -“Yes, sir. The bell will ring at that time.” - -Gilbert understood that he was expected to remain in his room till -dinner-time. That, however, would have been his choice. - -He followed the servant to a small hall-bedroom on the third floor, -where he found his trunk awaiting him. He opened it, and, taking out his -comb and brush, and a clean collar, made his dinner toilet. A new life -had opened before him, and he could not help wondering what it would be -like. In the midst of his meditations came the sound of the bell, and he -went downstairs. - -Mr. Briggs was already present. - -“Well,” said he, stiffly, “so you found your way here?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Did you see Mrs. Briggs?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“And how have you spent the day?” - -“I spent the afternoon at Central Park.” - -“Was Randolph with you?” - -“No, sir. It wasn’t necessary; I found my way without any trouble.” - -Here Mrs. Briggs entered. - -She nodded slightly to Gilbert, and said, in a chilly way:— - -“Take that seat, Mr. Greyson.” - -Gilbert seated himself, and Randolph, who entered directly afterwards, -sat down opposite. - -“You were not with Gilbert to-day, Randolph,” said his father. - -“No, sir.” - -“Where were you?” - -“At the theatre.” - -“Humph! you go to the theatre too much.” - -“How can you say so, Mr. Briggs?” said the mother, who, though her heart -was cold to all beside, fairly idolized her son, and as a consequence -foolishly indulged him. - -“This is the second time he has been this week.” - -“The boy is young, and needs recreation.” - -“It seems to me it is all recreation with him, and no work. When I was a -boy, I was lucky if I could go to a place of amusement once in three -months.” - -“You hadn’t got a rich father,” said Randolph. - -“I am not made of money,” muttered Mr. Briggs, “though you seem to think -I am.” - -“Really, Mr. Briggs,” said his wife, “it is ridiculous to expect -Randolph to spend as little as you did when you were a boy. The -circumstances are quite different.” - -Mr. Briggs frowned, but did not answer. - -“What did you do with yourself?” asked Randolph, turning to Gilbert. - -“I went to Central Park. It is a beautiful place.” - -“I never go there,” said Randolph. “You meet only low persons there.” - -“I saw many driving about in handsome carriages. Are they low?” - -“Of course not. I meant only low persons walk there.” - -“Randolph is right,” said his mother. - -“Still I think I shall go again,” said Gilbert. - -“Oh, it’s different with you. You are a poor boy, aint you?” said -Randolph, bluntly. - -Gilbert colored a little. - -“I only know what your father has told me,” said he. - -“Have you got any property of Gilbert’s, father?” asked Randolph. - -“This is not the time to ask such questions,” said his father, looking -annoyed. - -“Why not? There is no company—no one but ourselves.” - -“Ahem!” said Mr. Briggs, clearing his throat: “there was a very small -property, but it has all been spent on Gilbert’s education.” - -“Who left him the property?” asked Randolph, persistently. - -Gilbert was interested in the answer to this question, and he looked -with eager inquiry at his guardian, hoping that he would reveal what he -had so long desired to know. - -“You are very curious,” said Mr. Briggs, displeased. - -“There’s no reason why you shouldn’t tell me; is there, father?” - -“No,” answered his father, slowly. “The money was left him by his -father, who was an old schoolmate of mine. He died in the West Indies, -and sent me the money in trust for his son, to provide for him as long -as it lasted. It was exhausted nearly a year since, but I kept Gilbert -at school till now at my own expense. Now the time has come when he must -shift for himself.” - -“Rather hard on you, Gilbert,” said Randolph. - -“I am willing to look out for myself,” said Gilbert, quietly. “My father -did all he could for me. I have a good education, thanks partly to you, -Mr. Briggs, and I ought to be able to make my way.” - -“Oh, you are welcome,” said Mr. Briggs, rather uncomfortably. - -“You have done more than could have been expected, Mr. Briggs,” said his -wife. “Why did you not take the boy from school months ago?” - -“I wanted him to have a fair education.” - -“It seems to me he was already sufficiently educated for his sphere in -life,” said the lady. “I don’t believe in educating persons beyond their -station.” - -There was something in the lady’s remarks which grated harshly upon the -ear of our young hero. What right had Mrs. Briggs to assume that his -station was inferior to hers? The dislike which he had already begun to -entertain for her was increased. He found it impossible to like any of -the family, but he had insight enough to see that in cold selfishness -Mrs. Briggs exceeded her husband and son. - -“It seems to me,” said Mr. Briggs, in answer to his wife’s last remark, -“that a good education is a good thing for any one to possess, be he -rich or poor.” - -“You wouldn’t advise a boy that was going to be a mechanic to study -Latin or Greek, would you?” - -“If he liked it.” - -“Then I can’t agree with you,” retorted the lady, sharply; “I consider -it simply time and money thrown away.” - -“Have you studied Latin and Greek, Gilbert?” asked Randolph. - -“Yes.” - -“Have you gone far in them?” - -“In a year I should have been ready to enter Yale College.” - -“And after all I suppose you will be a mechanic.” - -“Why should I be?” demanded Gilbert. - -“You have no money.” - -“I suppose there are other kinds of business I can learn.” - -“Perhaps so.” - -Apparently tiring of the subject, Randolph turned to his mother. - -“Has any invitation come for me?” he asked. - -“Invitation—to what?” - -“I hear that Laura Vivian is going to give a party. I didn’t know but -she might invite me.” - -“The Vivians do not visit us. I should be glad to become acquainted. -They move in the very first society. Do you know Laura?” - -“I knew her at dancing-school. I used to dance with her sometimes. She -was a great favorite. All the boys wanted her for a partner.” - -“It is hardly likely she will invite you. I wish she would.” - -“What is the name of the young lady?” asked Gilbert, interested. - -“Laura Vivian. What interest can you feel in her?” - -“I made the young lady’s acquaintance this afternoon,” said Gilbert, -quietly. - -“Laura Vivian? Impossible.” - -“Doesn’t she live in West Forty-eighth Street?” - -“Yes.” - -“Then it is the same one, as you will see by this card.” - -Here Gilbert produced the card referred to in the last chapter. - -“How on earth did you get acquainted with her?” exclaimed Mrs. Briggs. -“Who introduced you?” - -“I believe I introduced myself,” said Gilbert, smiling. “I’ll tell you -all about it,” and he recounted the circumstances of his acquaintance. - -“She invited you to call?” exclaimed Randolph, enviously. - -“Yes.” - -“Do you mean to go?” - -“I shall go once, out of politeness.” - -“She will think you want to be repaid your five cents,” said Mrs. -Briggs, disagreeably. - -“I don’t think she will,” said Gilbert. “At any rate I will take the -risk.” - -“Will you take me with you?” asked Randolph. - -“I hardly think it would be proper,” said Gilbert; “but if I have a -second invitation I may take the liberty of doing so.” - -“Gilbert is right,” said Mr. Briggs. - -Randolph was disappointed, and indulged in a sneer at a penniless boy -like Gilbert calling on a young lady of high social position. But -Gilbert did not choose to notice it. - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - - HOW GILBERT GOT ON. - - -When dinner was over, Gilbert found that he was not going to have the -pleasure of Randolph’s companionship. - -“Where are you going, Randolph?” asked his father, as Randolph was -leaving the room. - -“I’m going out.” - -“Perhaps Gilbert may like to go with you,” suggested Mr. Briggs. - -“I’ve got an engagement,” said Randolph, shortly. - -“When was it made?” - -“This afternoon.” - -“Don’t let me interfere with Randolph’s engagements,” said Gilbert, -hastily. - -“Won’t you feel lonely?” asked Mr. Briggs. - -“Oh, no, sir. I shall take a walk down Broadway. There will be plenty to -take up my attention.” - -“Randolph can hardly be expected to give up his engagement,” said Mrs. -Briggs. “I am surprised, Mr. Briggs, that you should expect it.” - -Mr. Briggs muttered something about politeness. - -Gilbert protested again that he could get along very well by himself, -and the matter dropped. - -Presently he went out, and Mrs. Briggs, who had been waiting her -opportunity, commenced an attack upon her husband. - -“What are your plans for this boy, Mr. Briggs?” she asked. “Are you -going to support him in idleness?” - -“Certainly not. I shall find him a place as soon as I can.” - -“What claim has he upon you, I should like to know?” - -“He has only me to look out for him.” - -“What of that?” - -“He was the son of my old schoolmate.” - -“I have old schoolmates, too, and some, I suppose, are in want; but I am -not going to adopt their children.” - -“This boy was especially recommended to me, and what property his father -left was given in trust to me for him.” - -“Well, it’s all used up, isn’t it?” - -“Yes.” - -“Then your trust is at an end.” - -“What are you driving at, wife?” - -“I want to know whether you expect this boy to remain in your house.” - -“I see no objection.” - -“I do. You will be pampering him at the expense of your own son.” - -Mr. Briggs shrugged his shoulders. - -“I apprehend,” he said, “that our household expenses will not be -increased materially by Gilbert’s remaining here.” - -“Clothes and board cost something. Besides, he is not a fit companion -for Randolph.” - -“Why not?” - -“He is a poor boy.” - -“He has the education and manners of a young gentleman. It strikes me -that he is quite the equal of Randolph in these respects.” - -“You are always ready to side against your own boy.” - -“I don’t want to spoil him.” - -“You seem to prefer this new boy.” - -“Not at all. Must I be unjust to every other boy, because I have a son -of my own?” - -“You know what I mean well enough.” - -“The point seems to be, that you don’t want Gilbert in the house.” - -“No.” - -“What shall I do with him?” - -“Let him shift for himself.” - -Mr. Briggs shook his head. - -“The world would talk,” said Mr. Briggs. - -“Let them talk!” said the lady, independently. - -“It isn’t best to incur the reproach of your fellow-men.” - -“Well, get him a cheap boarding-house: that’s more suited to his station -in life than a home like ours.” - -“Let him stay here a few days, and I will see what I can do.” - -Mrs. Briggs would have preferred to have Gilbert leave the next day, but -decided to accept the concession made by her husband. He was placed in a -difficult position, but did not venture to tell his wife all. The truth -was, for I do not mean to make a mystery of it, he had wronged Gilbert -most grievously. The sum of money placed in his hands in trust for our -hero had been not a small sum, but seventy-five thousand dollars. -Gilbert’s father, trusting all to the honor of his friend, had exacted -no guaranties of good faith. So far as Mr. Briggs knew, no living person -was aware of the amount of Gilbert’s inheritance. There was no one, so -far as he knew, to contradict his assertion that it had all been -expended in the education of our hero. Yet it troubled him. He had made -up his mind to wrong the boy, but he was not so hardened as to do it -without some qualms of conscience. He meant to do something for him, get -him a place, and give him a home in his own family; but here, as we see, -Mrs. Briggs had interfered with his plans. He could not make up his mind -to throw Gilbert wholly upon his own resources, and he was disappointed -at his wife’s opposition. He was not wholly a bad man, but the -temptation of appropriating Gilbert’s money had been too great, and he -had yielded. He had used it in his business, and a sudden call for it -would have very much embarrassed him. - -Meanwhile Gilbert set out on his walk. The crowded city streets, which -had interested him in the daytime, assumed a new charm in the evening. -Walking slowly along, looking in at the brilliantly lighted windows, he -did not feel the need of companionship. In fact, he was rather glad that -Randolph was not with him, for he had already satisfied himself that -they had very little in common. - -[Illustration: GILBERT MEETS MR. VIVIAN.] - -Half an hour had passed, when all at once he heard his name called. - -“Good-evening, Mr. Greyson,” said a sweet voice. - -Turning quickly, he recognized Laura Vivian. - -“Good-evening, Miss Vivian,” he said, pleased at the meeting. - -“Papa,” said Laura, “this is Mr. Greyson, who was so polite to me in the -cars.” - -Then for the first time Gilbert noticed that Laura was accompanied by a -pleasant-looking gentleman of middle age. - -“I am glad to meet you, Mr. Greyson,” said Mr. Vivian, cordially. “My -daughter has told me that you extricated her from a dilemma.” - -“It isn’t worth mentioning, sir,” said Gilbert. “I am ashamed to be -thanked for such a little thing.” - -“It was a trifle, no doubt, but a mark of kind attention no less. My -daughter and I are out for a walk. If you have no engagement, will you -join us?” - -“With great pleasure, sir,” said Gilbert; and he spoke sincerely. - -“Do you live in the city?” asked Mr. Vivian. - -“I have been at a boarding-school hitherto, but I have now come to the -city to live.” - -“Do your parents reside here?” - -Gilbert looked sober. - -“I have no parents,” he said. - -“Indeed!” said Mr. Vivian, in a voice of sympathy. - -“Indeed I have no relatives that I am aware of; Mr. Richard Briggs, a -merchant of this city, is my guardian.” - -“Richard Briggs? I know of him.” - -“I ought to say, however,” added Gilbert, who did not wish to sail under -false colors, “that I can hardly continue to call him my guardian, as he -informs me that my little property has been all expended on my -education, and that I am now penniless, and must work for my living.” - -“I don’t consider that a misfortune,” said Mr. Vivian. “It will make a -man of you the sooner. But about this property, do you know how much it -amounted to originally?” - -“No, sir.” - -“Hasn’t Mr. Briggs ever rendered an account to you?” - -“No, sir. I have always supposed that I should be rich until within a -week. Then, for the first time, I was told that I must withdraw from -school, and get a place.” - -“Mr. Briggs has not treated you fairly in leaving you uninformed as to -your real position,” said Mr. Vivian, gravely. - -“I won’t blame him, but I wish he had told me earlier.” - -By this time they had reached a fashionable confectioner’s. - -“Come in with us, and have an ice-cream,” said Mr. Vivian. - -“Thank you, sir,” said Gilbert, and the three entered and sat down at -one of the small tables. - -At a table near by sat Randolph Briggs. Looking up by chance, he was -astonished to see his father’s penniless ward in such company. - -“By Jove!” he muttered, “that young beggar has more cheek than any one I -know of.” - -He would have liked to have joined the party, but even he had not the -assurance to force himself upon them. So he sat watchful and envious, -his jealousy excited by the evident favor with which Gilbert was -regarded. - -“If Mr. Vivian knew he hadn’t a cent in the world, he wouldn’t be quite -so cordial,” he thought. - -But Mr. Vivian did know. The trouble was that Randolph did not know him, -or he would not have suspected him of such regard for wealth and its -possession. - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - - A SPITEFUL WOMAN. - - -Randolph lost no time in going home to report what he had seen. Both his -father and mother were surprised to see him back so soon. - -“I am glad you came home early,” said his mother. - -“Did you see anything of Gilbert while you were out?” asked his father. - -“Do you suppose, Mr. Briggs, that Randolph is going to follow your -beggarly ward?” demanded Mrs. Briggs, sharply. - -“He might have met him,” said her husband, in an apologetic tone. - -“I did meet him,” said Randolph, in so significant a tone that both his -father and mother looked at him for an explanation. - -“Where do you think I saw him?” continued Randolph. - -“In some low place,” suggested his mother. - -“Not at all. He was eating an ice-cream at Delmonico’s.” - -“Pretty well for a penniless boy!” said Mrs. Briggs. “I suppose he -expects us to supply him with money to pay for his extravagant outlays.” - -“Oh, he didn’t pay for it himself. He got Mr. Vivian to treat him.” - -“Mr. Vivian!” - -“Yes: he had picked up Mr. Vivian and Laura somewhere, and probably -suggested going in to take an ice-cream.” - -“No doubt Mr. Vivian invited him,” said Mr. Briggs, who did not allow -dislike to run away with his common-sense. - -“He is certainly the most forward and impudent boy I ever met,” -exclaimed Mrs. Briggs, whose annoyance arose largely from Gilbert’s -succeeding better with the Vivians than her own son. - -“Really, my dear,” expostulated her husband, “I am sure you do the boy -injustice.” - -“Don’t call me ‘my dear,’” said Mrs. Briggs, scornfully. “I can’t see -what has got into you. You certainly must be wilfully blind if you don’t -see through the artfulness of that boy.” - -“What has he done?” - -“He has wormed himself into the intimacy of Mr. Vivian; that is what he -has done.” - -“Why shouldn’t he? If Mr. Vivian is inclined to befriend him, it will be -a saving to me.” - -“It won’t be for long. Mr. Vivian will find him out, and cast him off.” - -“I don’t know that there is anything in particular to find out. He seems -to me as good as the average of boys.” - -“Well, Mr. Briggs, I can only say that you seem infatuated about him. I -beg to say that I am not.” - -“That is apparent,” said her husband, smiling. - -“Moreover,” added his wife, provoked, “I wish to tell you that it is -disagreeable to me to have him in the house. So the sooner you can find -a boarding-house for him the better.” - -“Well, I will, if you insist upon it.” - -“I do insist upon it.” - -“Then I will try in a day or two to find him a home.” - -“Mark my words, Mr. Briggs: you will find, sooner or later, that my -prejudice against him is not so foolish as you imagine. That boy will -turn out badly.” - -“I hope not.” - -“It’s all very well hoping; but you’ll see.” - -Randolph now got up to go. - -“Where are you going, Randolph?” asked his mother. - -“I am going out a while; I can’t say where.” - -“Why can’t you be satisfied to stay at home?” - -“Oh, it’s so stupid staying at home,” said Randolph. “I want to go where -there’s something going on.” - -“It isn’t a very good plan for a boy of your age to spend his evenings -about the street,” said Mr. Briggs. - -“Why shouldn’t he go out?” said Mrs. Briggs, in the spirit of -opposition. “You haven’t anything to say about your favorite being out.” - -“The city is new to him. If he went out every evening like Randolph, I -should think it a bad plan.” - -“I suppose you would find some excuse for him.” - -“Really,” said Mr. Briggs, “I shall be quite as anxious to get him out -of the house as you, if you keep up such an incessant attack.” - -“If you are going to talk to me in this style, I will retire,” said Mrs. -Briggs, stiffly. - -Suiting the action to the word, she rose and left the room. Her husband -made no opposition. Indeed, as her temper was, he felt her withdrawal a -relief. He settled himself down to the comfortable reading of an evening -paper, and had about completed its perusal when the bell rang, and -Gilbert entered the room. - -“Well, Gilbert, did you have a pleasant time?” asked his guardian. - -“Yes, sir; unexpectedly so. I met Mr. Vivian and his daughter, and went -to Delmonico’s with them.” - -“You found him an agreeable man, no doubt?” - -“Yes, sir; he treated me very kindly for a stranger.” - -“He has a high reputation,” said Mr. Briggs. - -“Is he in business?” - -“Yes; he is an importer, and is generally considered very wealthy. He is -a prudent, conservative man, who avoids dangerous risks, and so meets -with few losses.” - -“He has invited me to call next Friday evening at his house.” - -“You had better go, by all means. His friendship may be valuable to -you.” - -“I am glad you approve of my going, for I am sure I shall enjoy it.” - -“Now, Gilbert,” said Mr. Briggs, clearing his throat, “as we have a good -opportunity, I will say a few words about my plans for you.” - -“I wish you would, sir. I am anxious to know what is to be my path in -life.” - -“I propose to get you into some store or counting-room in the city.” - -“Yes, sir. That is what I should like.” - -“And,” continued Mr. Briggs, rather embarrassed, “it will probably be -necessary for you to obtain a boarding-place nearer the business part of -the city than you would be here.” - -“I should think it would be better,” said Gilbert, who decidedly -preferred a boarding-house to an establishment presided over by Mrs. -Briggs, who, he clearly saw, was not disposed to be his friend. - -“We have breakfast too late to admit of your getting down-town in time,” -continued Mr. Briggs, who seemed to want to justify himself in the eyes -of his ward for the inhospitable proposal. - -“Yes, sir, I think it will be every way better,” said Gilbert, promptly. -“What wages do you think I can get, sir?” - -“Why,” said Mr. Briggs, hesitating, “beginners like you seldom command -more than five dollars a week at first.” - -Gilbert looked serious. - -“I suppose,” he said, “this will not be enough to pay all my expenses.” - -“Certainly not,” said his guardian, “but you need not feel troubled -about that. I will make up the balance necessary till you are far enough -advanced to be self-supporting.” - -“You are very kind, sir,” said Gilbert, gratefully; “but it appears that -I have already cost you considerable.” - -“Oh, that is of no consequence,” said Mr. Briggs, hurriedly. “I was your -father’s friend, and naturally I feel an interest in your progress.” - -“Thank you, sir; but I don’t like to be a continued burden to you. Do -you think it will be long before I can support myself?” - -“It will certainly be two years—perhaps three.” - -“Of course I don’t know anything about it, but I should think my -services ought to be worth my board and clothes before that.” - -“We must take things as we find them,” said his guardian. “There are a -dozen applicants for every place open to a boy, and while this state of -things continues employers will pay low wages. Besides, it is felt that -a boy is paid partly in the knowledge of business he acquires.” - -“I have no doubt you are right, sir; but how do poor boys manage who -have no one to make up the deficiency?” - -“Some of them have to live on five dollars a week.” - -“Couldn’t I do it?” - -“I should not be willing to have you. You have been brought up as a -gentleman, and could not get along as well as if you had always been -poor.” - -“I will trust to your judgment, sir; but I shall want you to keep an -account of all you spend for me.” - -“Why?” - -“Because some day I mean to repay it,” said Gilbert, proudly. - -“You are too particular about this matter,” said Mr. Briggs, -uncomfortably. - -“No, sir, I don’t think so. I think I am old enough now to undertake my -entire support.” - -“I will see about it, then.” - -This closed the conversation for the evening. Gilbert was glad to have -spoken to his guardian. Now he knew better what to look forward to. - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - GILBERT GETS A PLACE. - - -The next morning, about eight o’clock, the family were gathered about -the breakfast-table. Randolph was ten minutes late. He came in looking -sleepy and cross. - -“Randolph,” said his father, “what made you so late last evening?” - -“I wasn’t late.” - -“You may not call half-past eleven late; I do.” - -“It wasn’t more than half-past ten when I came in.” - -“You are quite mistaken. I looked at my watch when I heard you coming -upstairs.” - -“It was rather late; but you needn’t make such a fuss about it, Mr. -Briggs,” said his wife. “You have been out later than that yourself.” - -“Whenever I have been late, I had a good reason for it. Besides, there -is some difference in age between Randolph and myself.” - -“At any rate, you needn’t scold him before a stranger.” - -“I do not consider Gilbert a stranger. Besides, what I say is partly -meant for him. It is not wise for any boy of his or Randolph’s age to -remain out till nearly twelve.” - -“I hope you are almost through; I am getting tired of the subject.” - -Thus Mrs. Briggs gave Randolph indirect encouragement, by taking his -part against his father. - -Mr. Briggs shrugged his shoulders and was silent. Gilbert felt rather -uncomfortable. - -“Will you have some more coffee?” asked Mrs. Briggs, in an icy tone. - -“No, thank you,” he said. - -“You may go down-town with me, Gilbert,” said Mr. Briggs. “I will -introduce you to a gentleman who will possibly give you a place.” - -“Thank you, sir.” - -“I hope, Mr. Briggs, you will bear in mind what I said last night,” said -his wife. - -She referred to his getting a boarding-place for Gilbert. - -“I have not forgotten it,” he answered. - -Gilbert and his guardian took a University Place car, and they rode -down-town together. - -Mr. Briggs obtained a seat, but Gilbert was compelled to stand, on -account of the crowded state of the car. - -Seated beside Mr. Briggs was a business man of about his own age. - -“Good-morning, Mr. Sands,” he said, for it was an acquaintance. - -“Good-morning, Mr. Briggs. Is this young man your son?” - -“No, he is under my charge, however. I have a son of about his age.” - -“Is he at school?” - -“He has been till recently. I am looking for a place for him at present. -It is time he commenced his business education.” - -“Indeed,” said the gentleman, thoughtfully. “Are you thinking of any -business in particular?” - -“No. I shall accept any good opening for him.” - -“The fact is,” said Sands, “I am looking for a boy to enter my own -office. I was compelled yesterday to dismiss one who had been with me -for six months, on account of dishonesty. I found he appropriated -revenue-stamps, and sold them. I don’t know how long this has been going -on, but probably I have been a considerable loser.” - -“I don’t think you will have any such difficulty with Gilbert, if you -are inclined to take him,” said Mr. Briggs. - -“I like his appearance, and will take him at once, if you say so. I have -been in the habit of paying five dollars a week.” - -“It is as much as I expected him to earn for the present. Gilbert, this -gentleman is willing to give you a place in his office.” - -Gilbert had already formed a favorable opinion of Mr. Sands and he -answered promptly, “I am very much obliged to him, and shall be glad to -be in his employ.” - -Mr. Sands looked pleased. - -“May I ask what is your business, sir?” continued Gilbert. - -“I am a broker; my office is at No. — Wall Street.” - -“I am afraid you will find me very ignorant of business,” said Gilbert; -“but I hope to learn rapidly.” - -“There is nothing that will puzzle you at first. If you remain any -length of time, there will be something to learn.” - -“I have assured Mr. Sands,” said Mr. Briggs, “that he can rely upon your -honesty. His last boy was discharged for lack of that very necessary -quality.” - -“I don’t think he will be disappointed in me, so far as that goes,” said -Gilbert, proudly. - -“I don’t think I shall,” said the broker, upon whom Gilbert’s modest but -manly bearing had produced a very favorable impression. “When shall you -be ready to go to work?” - -“At any time, sir.” - -“Does that mean to-day?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“I will stipulate, however,” said Mr. Briggs, “that Gilbert may be -released at four o’clock. I want to select a boarding-place for him, and -that will give me time.” - -“Oh, certainly,” said the broker. “I can let him go earlier if you -desire it.” - -“No, it will not be necessary; I shall not myself be at leisure till -that hour. You know my place of business, Gilbert, do you not?” - -“Yes, sir; I have been there already, you know.” - -“I remember. Very well, go with Mr. Sands to his office, and come to me -at four this afternoon.” - -“Very well, sir.” - -It seemed rather strange to Gilbert to find himself already in a -situation. The transition from life at school had been very sudden. On -the whole he was not sorry for it. It kindled his ambition to think that -he was going to make himself useful; that he was to have a part in the -busy scene around him. He only regretted that for some time to come he -could not hope to earn his living entirely; that for two or three years, -perhaps, he was to be a source of expense to his guardian. - -“I will be as economical as I can,” he thought. “I will cost him as -little as possible, and when I am older I will pay back every cent I owe -him, if I am lucky enough to have the means.” - -Had Gilbert only known it, it was Mr. Briggs who was heavily in his -debt, and the small sum which would be allowed him to help defray his -expenses was already his own. It was just as well that he did not know -it. It was better that he should feel entirely dependent upon his own -exertions for support. To an active and ambitious boy it is a stimulus -and an incentive to effort. - -“What is your whole name, Gilbert?” asked Mr. Sands, pleasantly. - -“Gilbert Greyson, sir.” - -“You have been at school until recently, Mr. Briggs tells me.” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“In the city?” - -“No, sir; I was at Dr. Burton’s classical school, in the town of -Westville.” - -“I have heard of it. Did you pursue a classical course?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Then you know something of Latin and Greek?” - -“Yes, sir. In a year I should have been ready for Yale College.” - -“Then you already have more than an average education.” - -“I hoped to have a better, sir.” - -“You need not stop learning because you left school. It happens that I, -myself, pursued a course similar to yours, and left my studies for -business when nearly ready for college.” - -“Indeed, sir?” said Gilbert, interested. - -“But I still keep up my Latin a little. Greek I have pretty much -forgotten.” - -By this time they had reached the office of Mr. Sands. It was not large, -but was neat and well furnished. A clerk was at a desk, engaged in -writing. There was, besides, in waiting a boy of about Gilbert’s age, -who apparently wished to speak to Mr. Sands. - -“You here, John?” demanded Mr. Sands. - -“Yes, sir,” whined the boy. “Won’t you take me back, sir?” - -The broker shook his head. - -“No, I cannot,” he said. “You have deceived me, and I cannot trust you.” - -“I won’t do it again, sir.” - -“I could not take you back now if I would,” said the broker. “I have -engaged this boy in your place.” - -John scowled at Gilbert with a sense of personal injury, and left the -office. - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - - THE FIRST DAY IN BUSINESS. - - -During the day Gilbert learned the way to the Stock Exchange, to the -bank where his employer kept an account, and to the Post Office. He was -also sent on various errands to offices of other brokers and business -men. Indeed, he was kept so busy that he found the day pass very -rapidly. He made up his mind that he should like Mr. Sands, whose manner -towards him was marked with kindness and consideration. - -It was not so, however, with the clerk who has already been mentioned. -He was disposed to regard Gilbert as an unwelcome intruder into the -office. His prejudice will be understood when the reader learns that he -was a cousin of the boy who had been discharged. He had interceded to -have John reinstated in his place; but Mr. Sands had been inexorable. - -“I should like to oblige you, Mr. Moore,” said he, “but I cannot take -back your cousin. I must have a boy in whom I can feel a reasonable -degree of confidence.” - -“John has reformed, sir. He will be strictly honest hereafter.” - -“I hope he will, for his own sake; but it is best for him to find some -place where there will be fewer opportunities to steal.” - -The clerk saw that it would be of no use to pursue the subject further, -and was silent. But he made up his mind to dislike any boy that might -come in his cousin’s place. - -In his employer’s presence he did not venture to manifest his feelings, -but when Gilbert came back from an errand later in the day, Mr. Sands -being absent at the Board, he said irritably, “What made you so long?” - -“So long?” repeated Gilbert, in surprise. “I lost no time, Mr. Moore. I -went directly to the office where I was sent, and as soon as my business -was attended to I came directly back.” - -“Oh, no doubt!” sneered Moore. “You didn’t stop to play on the way, _of -course_.” - -“No, I didn’t,” said Gilbert, indignantly. - -“Then you stopped to hear a hand-organ, or something of the kind,” -persisted Moore, in a disagreeable manner. - -“You are quite mistaken, Mr. Moore. You probably know where the office -is, and must be aware that I had no time for any such delay.” - -“Oh, you are a model boy, I have no doubt!” sneered the clerk. - -“I have great doubts on the subject myself,” said Gilbert, -good-naturedly. “I never had that reputation.” - -“Did you ever do anything wrong?” - -“No doubt I have.” - -“I thought perhaps you were intending to pass yourself off as an angel.” - -“I don’t believe there are many angels in Wall Street,” said Gilbert, in -the same tone of good-humor. - -“No more of your impudence!” said Moore, snappishly, feeling that -Gilbert had the better of him in this little passage of words. - -“What have I said that is impudent?” asked Gilbert, in astonishment. - -“No matter. Go to your work.” - -“What a disagreeable fellow!” thought our hero. “I don’t think I shall -enjoy having him over me. He seems determined to find fault.” - -“Go over to Smith & Dixon’s, and ask them for a Union Pacific First, on -our account—stay; here’s an order.” - -“All right, sir.” - -“And don’t be gone all day.” - -“I shall be back as soon as I can,” said Gilbert, coldly. - -“Mind you do!” said Moore, in an aggravating manner. - -It was a comfort to Gilbert that Mr. Moore did not venture to treat him -in this way while Mr. Sands was in the office. Then, if he had occasion -to speak, it was in a proper tone. But for two or three hours during the -day the broker was absent at the Stock Exchange, and during this period -the clerk saw fit to treat him with rudeness. This treatment, which -commenced on the first day, was continued. Gilbert made little effort to -conciliate Simon Moore (this was the clerk’s full name), for he saw in -advance that he would have small chance of succeeding. He was convinced -of it when he discovered the relationship between Moore and his -predecessor, and learned, moreover, that the clerk was a boarder in his -cousin’s family. - -“I shall have to be very careful,” thought Gilbert, “or Mr. Moore will -get me into trouble of some kind. He wants to get rid of me, for some -reason or other.” - -Gilbert came to the only sensible determination: to do his duty as well -and faithfully as he knew how, and trust to Providence for the issue. He -decided not to trouble himself too much about the clerk’s enmity, since -he knew that he had done nothing to deserve it. - -At a little before four Gilbert left the office, and sought the -counting-room of Mr. Briggs. He found that gentleman ready to go -up-town. - -“Well, Gilbert,” he said, “how do you like your first day in business?” - -“Very well, sir. I think I shall get on.” - -“Then you don’t find your duties hard?” - -“No, sir; they are pleasant and easy.” - -“You will find Mr. Sands very considerate and kind, I am sure.” - -“I like him already, sir.” - -“That is well,” said Mr. Briggs, in a tone of satisfaction. “The next -thing is to find you a boarding-place.” - -“Yes, sir. I shall be very glad to get settled.” - -“There will be little difficulty about that. If we start immediately, I -can select a place for you this afternoon.” - -They took the street-cars at the Astor House. - -“I have been thinking, Gilbert,” said his guardian, “that Waverly Place -or Clinton Place will be a good location for you. It is not so far but -that on pleasant days you can walk to your place of business. This will -save car-fare, which, though a small matter, is yet to be considered -where your income is so small.” - -“How far is it, sir?” - -“About two miles from Wall Street.” - -“I shan’t mind that. When at school I used to walk ten miles sometimes, -on holidays.” - -“Mind, Gilbert, I only recommend it. I will see that you have money -enough to get along comfortably, even if you choose to ride constantly.” - -“I shall enjoy the walk when it is pleasant.” - -“Clinton Place is the western portion of Eighth Street,” said Mr. -Briggs. “East Eighth Street is known as St. Mark’s Place. There are -numerous boarding-houses there also, but I think you will like Clinton -Place better. I suppose you are not very familiar with the streets yet?” - -“No, sir; but I shall get accustomed to them as soon as possible. I -found, this morning, that it is a useful thing to know.” - -About twenty minutes’ ride brought the car to Clinton Place. - -“We will get out here,” said Mr. Briggs. “As we pass through the street,” -he said, “we shall probably notice papers pasted on some of the houses, -indicating that boarders or lodgers will be received. At some of these -houses we will inquire.” - -It was as Mr. Briggs had said. They had scarcely began their walk -towards Broadway, when they saw such a paper on a neat-looking brick -house. - -“Let us inquire here, Gilbert,” he said. - -He went up the steps, and rang the bell. On a servant appearing, he -announced his business. This brought about an interview with the -landlady. - -“Do you wish a room for two?” she asked. - -“No; only for this boy.” - -“We have a hall bedroom on the third floor, and an attic room,” said the -landlady. - -“We will look at the hall bedroom.” - -It was a small room, about seven feet by nine, and the furniture was -very common. - -“You can’t expect anything very luxurious, Gilbert,” said Mr. Briggs. -“Shall you be contented with this room?” - -“Yes, sir,” answered Gilbert, promptly. - -“What is your price, madam?” asked Mr. Briggs. - -“With board, six dollars a week.” - -“I think we will try it,” he said. “Will you stay here to-night, or come -to-morrow, Gilbert?” - -Gilbert thought of Mrs. Briggs, and answered, “I will begin now. I -suppose I shall need to send for my trunk.” - -“I will send it by an expressman—to-night, if possible.” - -“In the case of strangers,” said the landlady, hesitating, “we expect -something in advance.” - -“I will pay you a week in advance,” said Mr. Briggs. - -He drew six dollars from his pocket-book, and handed it to the smiling -landlady. - -“Of course, sir,” she said apologetically, “it isn’t necessary with a -gentleman like you, but it is our custom.” - -“Quite right, madam. I may as well tell you that I will be responsible -for this boy’s board. Here is my card.” - -Mr. Briggs was a well-known business man, and his name was familiar to -the landlady. - -“I am glad to have a friend of yours in my house,” she said. “I hope the -young gentleman will find everything satisfactory.” - -“I don’t think he will be hard to please. Good-evening, madam. -Good-night, Gilbert. You must call and see us often.” - -Mr. Briggs withdrew, and Gilbert sat down on the bed and tried to -realize his new position. Less than a week had elapsed since he left -school. Now he had entered on a business career in New York. It made him -feel years older, but he did not shrink from his new responsibilities. -He rather liked them. - - - - - CHAPTER X. - - THE NEW BOARDING-HOUSE. - - -Not long after Gilbert took possession of his room, the bell rang for -dinner. As at most New York boarding-houses, the last meal of the day -was dinner, not supper. Gilbert heard an adjoining door open, and, -leaving his own room, followed the occupants down to the dining-room, -which proved to be in the front basement. - -The room was deep, and allowed of a long table, large enough for the -accommodation of sixteen boarders. Mrs. White, the landlady, did not -herself sit down to the table, but superintended the servants, who acted -as waiters. - -“Where shall I sit, Mrs. White?” asked Gilbert. - -“You may sit here, between Mr. Ingalls and Miss Brintnall.” - -Neither of these persons had appeared, but Gilbert took the seat pointed -out. - -One by one the boarders entered, until the table was full. Gilbert -looked about him with considerable curiosity. Mr. Ingalls proved to be a -young man of twenty-five, who was employed in a wholesale stationery -store in William Street. Miss Brintnall was an elderly-looking young -lady, who was engaged as teacher in one of the public schools of the -city. Her face was of a masculine type, and Gilbert was not surprised to -hear that she was a strong advocate of woman’s rights. - -Just opposite were seated Mr. and Mrs. Theophilus Bower. He was clerk in -a dry goods house, and had been but three months married. He was an -inoffensive young man, with hair parted in the middle, who appeared to -be very fond of his young wife, who wore long ringlets, and seemed quite -a fitting match for her husband. Gilbert was rather amused by the manner -in which they addressed each other. - -“Theophilus, my love, may I pass you the salt?” - -“Yes, my dear.” - -Occasionally, that is, as often as opportunity offered, they would press -each other’s hands under the table, the pressure being accompanied by a -languishing look, which nearly upset the gravity of Mr. Ingalls, who, in -his endeavors to suppress his merriment, once came so near choking that -he had to leave the table. - -On the other side of Mr. Ingalls sat an actor at one of the city -theatres, with his wife. He seldom engaged in general conversation, but -spoke in low tones to his wife. Whether this sprang from natural -reserve, or from his mind being preoccupied with his business, opinion -was divided; but the natural consequence was that he was unpopular. - -There were several other boarders, who will be referred to in due time. -Among them may be mentioned Alphonso Jones, a man of thirty, whose seedy -attire would seem to indicate limited means, but who lost no opportunity -of boasting of his aristocratic connections, and his intimacy with the -best society. - -Mr. Ingalls was the first to notice his young neighbor. Mrs. White had -introduced Gilbert to his right and left hand neighbor, but left him to -make acquaintance with the rest as he could. - -“Have you been long in the city, Mr. Greyson?” he asked. - -“No,” said Gilbert, “but a few days.” - -“I suppose you are on business?” - -“I am in a broker’s office on Wall Street.” - -“And I am in a wholesale stationery store not far from Wall Street. If -you have no better company, we might go down-town together in the -morning.” - -“Thank you, I should like company.” - -“That is, if you walk; I never ride except on stormy days.” - -“Nor shall I. It’s only two miles, I believe.” - -“Scarcely that; some think two miles a long walk. My brother from -Boston, who was here for a while, complained a good deal of the long -distances in New York. In Boston business men have much less distance to -travel.” - -“I never was in Boston,” said Gilbert. “Is it a pleasant city?” - -“It is the ‘Hub of the Universe,’ you know; so Dr. Holmes calls it, at -any rate. Yes, it is a pleasant city, but small, of course, compared -with New York. How did you happen to come to this boarding-house?” - -“I saw a notice outside that boarders would be taken.” - -“I hope you will like it.” - -“I hope so. I am not very difficult to suit.” - -“You have not been long in your place of business, I suppose.” - -“No; I went there only to-day. I have always been at school till now.” - -“Out of the city?” - -“Yes, at Dr. Burton’s Boarding School, at Westville.” - -“I have heard of it.” - -Then, lowering his voice, he said, “I see, Mr. Greyson, you are looking -at the happy couple opposite.” - -“They seem very happy,” said Gilbert, smiling. - -“Oh, yes, they are wrapt up in each other. However, that is better than -to quarrel all the time. Do you see that tall, thin man at the end of -the table, and the lady at his side?” - -“Yes.” - -“There isn’t much love-making between them. They have a room adjoining -mine, and I have the privilege of listening to some of their disputes.” - -“Who are they?” - -“Major McDonald and his wife. He is Scotch, I believe. They married each -other for their money, I hear, and then discovered that neither had any -to speak of.” - -The conversation was interrupted by Miss Brintnall, who was expressing -her views on woman’s rights. - -“In my opinion,” she said, “man is a cruel and despotic tyrant. He -monopolizes the good things of this life, and only throws an occasional -crumb to poor, ill-used women. Women, for the same work, are paid less -than half as much as men. Take myself, for example. I work just as hard -as the principal of my school, yet he gets three dollars to my one. Now, -I want to know where is the justice of that?” - -“Perhaps,” suggested Mr. Bower, “he has a wife and children to support. -You haven’t, you know, Miss Brintnall. Of course, you couldn’t, you -know,” he added, with a simper. - -“I might have a husband and children to support, I suppose,” said Miss -Brintnall, severely. - -“If that is the case, Miss Brintnall,” said Mr. Ingalls, humorously, -“you ought to let us know, that we may not cherish vain hopes.” - -Miss Brintnall smiled; she generally did smile on Mr. Ingalls, who was a -favorite of hers. Indeed, it was generally thought at the table that she -would have had no objection to becoming Mrs. Ingalls, though the young -man certainly had never given her any encouragement, save by such -jocular remarks as the foregoing. - -“You will have your joke, Mr. Ingalls,” she said good-humoredly; “but to -return to my argument. Is there any one present that can deny the -correctness of my statement, that man is a tyrant?” - -“I can,” said little Mrs. Bower, indignantly. “My Theophilus isn’t a -tyrant, are you, dear?” - -“I hope not, my love,” he answered, pressing her hand under the table. - -Mr. Ingalls came near swallowing a piece of meat the wrong way, and Miss -Brintnall sniffed contemptuously. - -“There may be exceptions,” she said, “but they only prove the rule; even -in your own case, Mrs. Bower, you may change your mind some years -hence.” - -“I never shall, I am sure. Shall I, Theophilus, dear?” - -“No, my love.” - -Here Mr. Ingalls squeezed Gilbert’s hand under the table, with a comic -look, which proved very trying to our hero’s gravity. - -Miss Brintnall received unexpected help from Mrs. McDonald. - -“I agree with you entirely, Miss Brintnall,” said that lady, “and I -don’t believe there are any exceptions. Men always try to domineer over -women.” - -“My experience is the other way,” said the major. - -“Of course, I expected to hear you say so,” said the lady, tossing her -head. - -“Men are very forbearing, in my opinion,” proceeded the major. - -“And very unselfish, I suppose,” sneered his wife. - -“That’s where you hit the nail on the head, ma’am.” - -“I think,” said Alphonso Jones, “it depends very much on social rank. I -have the privilege of being intimately acquainted with some of our very -highest families, and I can assure you that they are very harmonious. -Among the lower orders, no doubt, men often act like brutes; but it is -from lack of refinement. My friends, the Tiptops, who have their villa -at Newport, never exchange a rude word. I think you are too sweeping in -your remarks, Miss Brintnall.” - -“I have not the honor of knowing your grand friends, Mr. Jones,” said -Miss Brintnall, sarcastically; “but I contend that human nature is -everywhere the same. Money and rank don’t change it. I think it very -likely that some of your Fifth Avenue grandees beat their wives.” - -“O Miss Brintnall!” exclaimed Mr. Bower and Mr. Jones in chorus. - -“Yes, I do believe it. I won’t take a word back.” - -“I don’t believe your husband will ever beat you, Miss Brintnall,” said -Mr. Ingalls, slyly. - -“I think not,” said the teacher, decidedly. “I should allow him all the -rights which he could fairly claim, but I would not let him infringe -upon mine.” - -“I wouldn’t marry her for a million dollars,” whispered Mr. Bower to his -wife. - -“Isn’t she horrid?” was the shuddering reply. - -Here some one started a new topic of conversation, and Miss Brintnall -subsided. - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - - A NEW ARRANGEMENT. - - -About nine o’clock that evening Gilbert’s trunk arrived. He received it -with satisfaction, and unpacked it at once, putting a part of his -clothing into the drawers of a small bureau, which, with the bedstead -and one chair, took up about all the space in his contracted chamber. - -Mr. Ingalls stepped in as he was unpacking. - -“You haven’t got much extra room,” he said. - -“No, I wish my room was larger,” said Gilbert; “but it is as large as I -can afford.” - -“My room is at least twice as large, but by sharing it with another I -pay no more than you do.” - -“You are in luck; that is, if your room-mate is agreeable.” - -“We get along very well, but I expect to lose him in a week. He is to -leave the city. If you would like to take his place, I shall be glad to -have you.” - -“Will it increase my board?” asked Gilbert. - -“How much do you pay now?” - -“Six dollars.” - -“No; you would pay the same as my room-mate.” - -“Then I will accept your offer with thanks.” - -“I hope you won’t have cause to repent it,” said Mr. Ingalls. “If you do -at any time I will let you off.” - -“If you should marry Miss Brintnall,” suggested Gilbert, with a smile, -“you will have to give me warning.” - -“No Miss Brintnall for me!” said Ingalls. “I don’t want to be a -henpecked husband, or marry one who would insist on wearing the -breeches.” - -“The lady seems partial to you.” - -“She is not only partial, but martial,” said the young man, who was apt -to indulge in poor jokes; “I would as soon marry an Amazon. When you get -through unpacking, come to my room; you may like to see it.” - -“I have unpacked as much as I intend to to-night. I will go with you -now.” - -Mr. Ingalls’ room was square in shape, and of very good dimensions; it -was better furnished also than Gilbert’s. It contained two single beds, -side by side, a good closet, a sofa, a bureau, rocking-chair, and -several ordinary chairs. Several fair engravings adorned the walls, and -Gilbert felt that it would be decidedly pleasanter for him to share such -a room as this with a pleasant companion, than to reign sole master of a -hall bedroom. - -“How do you like it?” asked Mr. Ingalls. - -“Very much better than mine. I shall be glad to change.” - -“Then we will consider the arrangement decided upon. Can I offer you a -cigarette?” - -“No, thank you; I never smoke.” - -“That is where you are sensible; I only indulge myself occasionally.” - -They sat for half an hour and chatted. Gilbert was favorably impressed -by his new friend, who, though ten years older than himself, proved a -congenial companion. At ten o’clock he bade him good-night, and went to -bed. - -His bed was not particularly soft or luxurious, but he slept soundly, -and awoke in the morning refreshed. He took an early breakfast, and -walked down-town with Mr. Ingalls. - -When Mr. Moore, the book-keeper, arrived, Gilbert was already at work. - -“A new broom sweeps clean,” sneered Moore, in an unpleasant tone. - -“Do you mean me?” asked Gilbert. - -“Yes; you are trying to make Mr. Sands think you a model.” - -“I hope he won’t think that, for he will find out his mistake.” - -“He _will_ find out his mistake,” said Moore; “I predict that.” - -“I intend to do my work faithfully,” said Gilbert; “there will be no -mistake about that.” - -“I’ve heard boys talk that way before. They don’t deceive me.” - -Just then Mr. Sands entered. He greeted Gilbert pleasantly. - -“So you are on hand in good season. I like to see that.” - -“I shall try not to be late, sir.” - -“Where do you board?” - -“In Waverly Place.” - -“That is convenient as regards distance. You may go to the Post Office -for letters.” - -As Gilbert started for the Post Office, a boy about his own age came up -and joined him. - -“Are you Mr. Sands’ new boy?” he asked. - -“Yes,” answered Gilbert. - -“You’ve got my place, then. I used to be there.” - -“Did you? I am sorry to have interfered with you.” - -“You won’t like it. He is very hard to get along with.” - -“He doesn’t look like it.” - -“He discharged me for just nothing at all. That’s what my cousin, the -book-keeper, says.” - -“Is Mr. Moore your cousin?” asked Gilbert, who began now to understand -the cause of his own unpopularity with that official. - -“Yes; he lives at our house.” - -Gilbert said nothing, judging that it would be repeated. - -“I hope you will get another place,” he said, politely. - -“I don’t want another place. I want to be where my cousin is.” - -Gilbert felt rather awkward. - -“That is natural,” he said; “I am sorry you are disappointed, but, of -course, I am glad to get a place. I have to shift for myself, and it is -necessary I should be earning money.” - -“You won’t stay long; old Sands will discharge you.” - -“I hope not. If I do my duty faithfully, I don’t see why he should.” - -“That won’t make any difference. Didn’t I discharge my duty faithfully?” - -Gilbert did not know, and expressed no opinion. Moreover, he thought he -would not inquire, preferring to remain neutral. Besides, he doubted -whether he could fully rely on the correctness of John’s statements. - -“I don’t want to lose my place,” he said; “but if I do, I hope you will -get it back again.” - -“Suppose you resign in my favor,” suggested John, in an insinuating -manner. - -“I would rather not,” answered Gilbert, who felt that this request was -decidedly cool. - -“Just as I thought,” muttered John. - -“Mr. Sands would not thank me for meddling with what is not my business. -If he chooses, at any time, to put you back and dismiss me, he’ll do so -without any request from me.” - -John did not vouchsafe an answer, but walked off sullenly. - -Nothing of any importance occurred during the day, except that Gilbert -found the book-keeper as disagreeable as ever. It seemed impossible to -suit him. This Gilbert correctly attributed to his disappointment that -his cousin had been superseded. - -About the hour of closing, Gilbert was surprised at the entrance of Mr. -Briggs. - -“How are you getting on, Gilbert?” he inquired. - -“Very well, thank you, sir.” - -“Do you think you shall like this place?” - -“Yes, sir, I think so.” - -“And you don’t regret leaving school?” - -“Yes, sir, I do; but that can’t be helped, and I don’t trouble myself -with thinking of it.” - -“You are right there; are you ready to go up town?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Come along with me, then.” - -When they were in the street, Mr. Briggs said, “I will tell you in a few -words what I mean to do for you, so that you can have a fair -understanding about money matters. I shall pay your board, and out of -your wages you will be able to buy your clothes and provide for your -other expenses.” - -“But, Mr. Briggs,” said Gilbert, “I shall be able to pay part of my -board. I do not wish to be such a burden to you.” - -“Say no more about it,” said his guardian, hastily, “I insist upon that -arrangement.” - -“But, sir, I shall want sometime to repay you for the money you spend on -me.” - -“When you are a rich man, I will permit you to do so. Till then, think -nothing of it.” - -“I am at least very grateful to you for your kindness,” said Gilbert. - -For some reason Mr. Briggs seemed uncomfortable whenever Gilbert spoke -of gratitude, and tried to drop the subject. - -“Randolph spoke of calling to see you this evening,” he said. “Shall you -be at home?” - -“Yes, sir, I shall be glad to have him come.” - -Gilbert was rather astonished at such a mark of attention on the part of -the young aristocrat, but determined to treat him cordially, for his -father’s sake. - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - - RANDOLPH’S CALL. - - -Randolph had expressed to his father in the morning an intention of -calling upon Gilbert. His motive was not interest in our hero’s welfare, -but curiosity to find out how he was situated, as indeed he freely -acknowledged. - -“I wouldn’t call if I were you, Randolph,” said his mother. - -“Why not?” asked her husband. - -“Gilbert will move in a different sphere,” said Mrs. Briggs, loftily. “I -do not wish my son to form intimacies beneath him.” - -“I don’t intend to,” said Randolph; “I want to see what sort of a place -he is in.” - -“He will be likely to presume upon your condescension, and boast of you -as one of his friends.” - -Mr. Briggs understood Gilbert better. - -“No fear of that!” he said. “Gilbert is a boy of spirit. He is not one -to seek or accept patronage. His pride is quite as great as Randolph’s.” - -“What has he to be proud of, I should like to know,” said Mrs. Briggs, -with a sneer. - -“He is my ward,” said Mr. Briggs, stiffly, “and it is quite proper that -my son should pay him some attention.” - -“You seem to be infatuated about that boy,” said his wife coldly. “I -suppose you will want him invited to Randolph’s birthday party next -month.” - -“I certainly shall,” said Mr. Briggs. - -“This is going rather too far,” said his wife angrily. - -“However that may be, he must be invited.” - -“I should think I had some voice in that matter, Mr. Briggs.” - -“Unless Gilbert Greyson is invited, there shall be no party at all,” -said Mr. Briggs, with decision. - -Mrs. Briggs felt that the fiat had gone forth. Her husband generally -yielded to her, but sometimes he put his foot down, as the saying is, -and was not to be moved. She felt very much annoyed, but Randolph -offered her a way of yielding gracefully. - -“Oh, let the beggar come,” he said. “He will be good fun. I want to see -how he will behave.” - -“Since you wish it, Randolph,” said Mrs. Briggs, addressing herself -pointedly to her son, “I will make no further objection. It is your -party, and you ought to have your own way. But I shouldn’t think it was -necessary for you to call on the boy. He is at some cheap -boarding-house, I suppose.” - -“Cheap, but perfectly respectable,” said Mr. Briggs. - -“I want to see what a cheap boarding-house is like,” said Randolph; and -his mother said no more. - -At eight o’clock the servant brought up to Gilbert’s room a card bearing -the name of Randolph Briggs. - -“It’s a young gentleman that wants to see you,” she explained. - -“I will go down and bring him up,” said Gilbert. - -He hurried downstairs, and found Randolph waiting in the parlor. - -“I am glad to see you, Randolph,” he said cordially; “will you stay -here, or come up to my room?” - -“I would like to see your room,” said Randolph. - -“It isn’t much to see,” said Gilbert; “but I shall be glad to have you -come up.” - -“It’s a long way down-town,” said Randolph. - -“All the better for me. I am nearer my place of business.” - -Gilbert’s room was on the third floor, back. He opened the door and -invited Randolph in. - -“What a small place!” exclaimed Randolph, looking around him. - -“So it is,” said Gilbert; “but I make it do.” - -“And the furniture is extremely common,” remarked his visitor, -critically. - -“That is true also,” said Gilbert, laughing. - -“There does not seem to be much of it either; you have but one chair.” - -“Take that, if you please, and I will sit on the bed.” - -Randolph sat down, but not till he had examined the chair carefully to -see if it was clean. - -“I don’t see how you can live in such a place,” remarked the young -aristocrat. - -“Oh, I easily accommodate myself to it,” said Gilbert; “but I hope soon -to make a change for the better.” - -“Indeed!” - -“Yes; a young man in the house has a large room, which he has agreed to -share with me as soon as his present room-mate leaves. That will -probably be in a week. Then I can offer you a better reception.” - -“What is the young man’s name?” - -“Ingalls. I believe he comes from Massachusetts.” - -“Is he in business?” - -“Yes; he is in a stationery store on William Street. Of course, he is a -new acquaintance, but I think we shall get on well together.” - -“What sort of boarders have you here?” asked Randolph, curiously. - -“Rather a miscellaneous class. The gentlemen are chiefly in business. -There is one public school-teacher—a lady.” - -“Of course, there is nobody that moves in good society?” - -“I really don’t know.” - -“How much board do you pay?” - -“Six dollars.” - -“Six dollars!” repeated Randolph, turning up his nose. - -“Some of the boarders pay considerably more, but my room, as you see, is -small, and that makes it low for me.” - -“What sort of a table have you?” - -“Plain, but as good as could be expected. Of course it don’t compare -with yours.” - -“I should say not.” - -“But I find no fault with it. Everything is served neatly, and that is -what I care most about.” - -At this point Mr. Ingalls knocked at the door. - -“Excuse me,” he said, when he saw Randolph; “I didn’t know you had -company.” - -“Come in,” said Gilbert; “or rather, if your room-mate is out, let us -adjourn to your room. We shall be more comfortable.” - -“Certainly; I shall be glad to have you.” - -“Mr. Randolph Briggs, Mr. Ingalls,” said Gilbert, by way of -introduction. - -“I am glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Briggs,” said the young man. - -Randolph bowed condescendingly. - -They went at once to the larger room. - -“This is much better,” said Randolph, who seemed surprised to see a -sofa. - -“Yes, I shall consider myself promoted when I get here.” - -“Are you in business, Mr. Briggs?” asked Mr. Ingalls. - -“Oh, no, I am preparing for college,” said Randolph; “there is no need -of my going into business.” - -“I wish I could have gone to college,” said Gilbert, regretfully. - -“It takes money to go to college,” said Randolph, complacently; “I -intend to live in style when I go there.” - -“I am afraid, Gilbert,” said young Ingalls, “we must put off going till -our wages are raised.” - -“I must put it off forever,” said Gilbert. - -“I have hopes of getting ready when I am fifty,” said the young man; -“perhaps Mr. Briggs will be a professor at that time.” - -“I wouldn’t teach,” said Randolph, “though it is very respectable to be -a professor. I shall be a man of fortune.” - -Mr. Ingalls glanced quietly at Gilbert. He was evidently amused by the -self-importance of the young aristocrat. - -“Do you like your place, Gilbert?” asked Randolph. - -“Pretty well.” - -“You haven’t got any ice-water here, have you?” - -“I will go down and order some.” - -While Gilbert was gone, Randolph said, “I am glad Gilbert has got a -place, for he is poor and needs it. My father has done a great deal for -him; but then he can afford it, for he is a rich man. I have no friends -in this neighborhood; but I thought I would come down to see how he was -getting along.” - -“Gilbert ought to be very grateful,” said Mr. Ingalls, dryly. - -“I think so, too. It is not every poor boy who has a rich man to help -him.” - -Here Gilbert re-entered with the water, and shortly after Randolph left. - -“What do you think of him, Mr. Ingalls?” asked Gilbert. - -“He seems to think a good deal of himself,” said the young man. “He -referred to you in a very patronizing way.” - -Gilbert laughed. - -“His mother has spoiled him,” he said; “she is the most disagreeable -woman I ever saw. If Randolph had been brought up differently, he might -not show so much foolish pride. I like his father best of the three.” - -Gilbert little suspected that the man whom he praised had been, thus far -in life, his worst enemy. - - - - - CHAPTER XIII. - - GILBERT CALLS ON THE VIVIANS. - - -As the boarders rose from the dinner-table on Friday, Alphonso Jones -addressed Gilbert. - -“Let us take a walk,” he proposed. - -“Thank you,” said Gilbert; “but I have an engagement.” - -“I suppose there is a lady in the case,” said Alphonso, slyly. - -“There is a young lady where I am going,” answered Gilbert. - -“So I thought. I suppose you wouldn’t be willing to mention names?” - -“Oh, yes. I am going to call on Mr. Vivian, in West Forty-eighth -Street.” - -“What! Mr. Vivian, the great merchant?” asked Jones, surprised. - -“I believe he is an extensive importer.” - -“That’s the one I mean. How in the world did you get acquainted there?” - -“I haven’t been long acquainted,” said our hero. - -Alphonso Jones was a young man who, in England, would be called a -tuft-hunter. He aspired to be on visiting terms in families of high -social position; but thus far had not met with much success. This did -not prevent him from boasting continually of intimacy in quarters where -he was not even acquainted. He did not dream that his little imposture -was easily seen through by most of those who knew him, but was -complacent in the thought that he was classed with that aristocracy, -which he admired from a distance. - -“Don’t you know the Vivians, Mr. Jones?” asked Mr. Ingalls. “I thought -you knew everybody that was worth knowing.” - -“So I do,” said Alphonso, with an air of importance,—“that is, nearly -everybody. I met the Vivians, I believe, at Saratoga, but did not have a -chance to cultivate their acquaintance. Greyson, will you do me a -favor?” - -“What is it?” asked Gilbert. - -“Let me accompany you this evening to Mr. Vivian’s. You can introduce me -as your friend, in case they do not remember our former meeting.” - -“I should like to oblige you, Mr. Jones,” said Gilbert, “but my own -acquaintance is too limited to allow me to take such a liberty.” - -“Just as you say, of course,” said Alphonso, crestfallen. “I dare say I -shall soon meet them at some fashionable party.” - -“So it will really not make much difference,” suggested Ingalls. - -“Oh, very little,” said Mr. Jones, nonchalantly. “I thought perhaps Mr. -Greyson might like the company of one who was used to society. I think, -on the whole, I will call on my friends, the Montmorencys, this -evening.” - -“Where do they live, Mr. Jones?” asked Mr. Ingalls. - -“They occupy an elegant mansion on Fifth Avenue,” answered Alphonso, -consequentially. - -“Couldn’t you take me along with you?” asked Mr. Ingalls, demurely. - -“I fear not,” said Alphonso. “The fact is, Mr. Ingalls, the Montmorencys -are very exclusive, and have expressly said to me more than once, ‘We -are always glad to have you drop in, Mr. Jones, for we look upon you as -one of ourselves; but bring no strangers. Our circle is already -extensive, and we cannot add to it.’ Very sorry, of course.” - -“So am I, Mr. Jones,” said Mr. Ingalls. “I should like to know a few -high-toned people. How fortunate you are in knowing so many! What is the -number of the Montmorencys’ house?” - -“I always forget numbers,” said Alphonso, rather confused (for the whole -story of the Montmorencys was a fiction), “but, of course, the house is -familiar to me. It’s on Murray Hill.” - -“That fellow is a humbug, Gilbert,” said Ingalls, as he and his -room-mate entered their own apartment. “He pretends to have a great many -fashionable friends; but it’s all a sham. Some day I’m going to teach -him a lesson.” - -“How?” - -“Introduce a friend of mine, a good amateur actor, as a French count. -Fancy his delight at making each an aristocratic acquaintance!” - -“Let me know when the time comes,” said Gilbert, laughing. - -“You shall assist me in it. I hope you will have a pleasant call this -evening.” - -“I have no doubt of it.” - -Gilbert dressed himself carefully, and at half-past seven started on his -visit. The evening was pleasant, and he decided to walk. Just opposite -the Hoffman House he fell in with Randolph Briggs. - -“Hallo, Gilbert,” called out Randolph, “where are you bound,—to our -house? I don’t believe you’ll find anybody at home.” - -“I am bound elsewhere,” said Gilbert - -“Where?” asked Randolph, curiously. - -“To Mr. Vivian’s.” - -“To call upon Laura?” - -“My call will not be exclusively upon her,” said Gilbert. - -“Take my advice and don’t go,” said Randolph actuated by jealousy. - -“Why not?” Gilbert asked, quietly. - -“They might look upon it as an intrusion.” - -“I don’t think they will, as I was specially invited for this evening.” - -“Out of politeness. Probably they have forgotten all about it.” - -“It appears to me, Randolph, that you take a good deal of interest in -this matter,” said Gilbert, amused. - -“Oh, I care nothing about it; only as a friend I thought I would just -mention that it might be thought rather presumptuous to take advantage -of the accident that made you acquainted with Laura, to force yourself -upon the family. If I were a poor boy like you, I would be careful to -associate with my own class.” - -Gilbert was provoked at Randolph’s insolence, as he rightly considered -it, and answered coldly, “I will think of your advice, Mr. Briggs. I -appreciate your motives in offering it.” - -“What does he mean?” thought Randolph, following with his eyes his -father’s ward. “I believe the fellow is angry with me. Poor and proud, I -dare say. The Vivians will soon get tired of him.” - -But though he tried to console himself with this reflection, it chafed -Randolph not a little that Gilbert should be invited to a house which he -could not hope to enter. - -Gilbert kept on his way to Mr. Vivian’s house arriving about eight -o’clock. - -“Is Mr. Vivian at home?” he inquired of the servant who answered his -summons. - -“He went out for half an hour; will you come in and wait for him?” - -“Is Miss Laura in?” - -“I believe she is.” - -“Then you may hand her my card, if you please.” - -Gilbert was ushered into the parlor. He did not have to wait long. Laura -entered and cordially offered her hand. - -“I am very glad to see you, Gilbert—Mr. Greyson, I mean.” - -“Never mind about Mr. Greyson,” said Gilbert, smiling. “Call me Gilbert, -if you don’t mind.” - -“Then I will,” said Laura, frankly. “Do you know, I already begin to -look upon you as an old friend.” - -“I am very glad of that, Miss Laura.” - -“My father went out for half an hour, as the servant probably told you. -He bade me keep you till his return.” - -“Thank you; I shall be very glad to stay.” - -“I met a friend of yours on Fifth Avenue yesterday, Gilbert.” - -“Who was it?” - -“Randolph Briggs.” - -Gilbert smiled. - -“I don’t know how far he is my friend,” he said; “though he told me this -evening he was, and as a friend he ventured to give me some advice.” - -“Indeed?” said Laura, looking the curiosity she felt. - -“Would you like to hear what it was?” - -“I certainly should, for it doesn’t strike me that Randolph Briggs is -particularly qualified to give advice to anybody.” - -“He advised me not to come here.” - -“Not to come here! Why not?” exclaimed Laura, impetuously. - -“He said I was only invited out of compliment, and that my visit would -probably be considered an intrusion.” - -“I wonder how he dared to say such things!” said Laura, indignantly. -“What can he know of our feelings? Why, he isn’t on visiting terms here -himself!” - -“I suppose he meant it for my good,” said Gilbert. - -“I am glad you didn’t take his advice, Gilbert.” - -“I didn’t care to deprive myself of a pleasure. Besides, I thought I -could soon judge for myself whether you looked upon me as an intruder.” - -“What do you think about it?” asked Laura. “You have been here long -enough to decide.” - -“I think I will stay a little longer.” - -Just then a boy of ten opened the door of the parlor. - -“Laura,” he said, “mother wants you to bring Mr. Greyson into the -library.” - - - - - CHAPTER XIV. - - A PLEASANT EVENING. - - -Gilbert was presented to a pleasant-looking lady, whom Laura introduced -as her mother. - -“I am glad to see you, Mr. Greyson,” she said, cordially; “I supposed -Laura would bring you in here at once, but it seemed to be her intention -to monopolize you.” - -“We had important business to talk over, mamma.” - -“Very important, no doubt. How do you like the city, Mr. Greyson?” - -“I think I shall like it after I am better acquainted,” Gilbert -answered. - -“You haven’t introduced me, Laura,” said her brother Fred, in an -aggrieved tone. - -“Gilbert,” said Laura, “let me introduce to your favorable notice my -brother Fred, who, in his own opinion, is a model of all the virtues.” - -“I am glad to meet him. I never saw a model boy before,” said Gilbert, -pleasantly. - -“I never pretended to be a model boy,” said Fred. “Laura’s only -chaffing.” - -“Where did you pick up that word, Fred?” said his mother. - -“Isn’t it a good word, mamma? It’s just what she does.” - -“Fred has just commenced Latin,” said Laura, “but I am afraid, from his -own story, that it is just wearing out his constitution.” - -“I don’t see any good in it,” said Fred. “Do you know Latin, Mr. -Greyson?” - -“I have studied it some.” - -“How far have you been?” - -“I have read Cæsar and Virgil.” - -“Oh, then you know a lot about it. I’m only in the second declension.” - -“You don’t like it, then?” - -“Not much. I don’t see how anybody could ever talk such stuff.” - -“You will be more interested in it as you get on further. That was the -way with me. I wasn’t in love with it at first.” - -“I hope so,” said Fred. - -Here Mr. Vivian entered, and greeted Gilbert cordially. - -“I told Laura to keep you,” he said. “What have you been doing since we -met?” - -“I have got a place, or rather Mr. Briggs got one for me.” - -“What sort of a place?” - -“I am with Mr. Sands, a stock-broker. His office is on Wall Street.” - -“I know of him, though I don’t personally know him. How do you like your -new situation?” - -“I have not been there long enough to decide. I like Mr. Sands.” - -“Are you still an inmate of Mr. Briggs’ house?” - -“No, sir; I am boarding on Clinton Place, near Broadway.” - -“You find that more convenient to your office?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Then you have fairly got started in your business career. I hope you -may be successful.” - -“Thank you, sir.” - -“I believe you told me that your money, of which Mr. Briggs had charge, -has been entirely expended on your education?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Are you compelled, then, to live on your weekly wages?” - -“I don’t think I could do that very well, as they only amount to five -dollars a week. Mr. Briggs offered to pay my board, and let me use this -for other expenses. I don’t like to have him do it, but he insists upon -it.” - -“That seems kind,” said Mr. Vivian. “Was it your idea, or his, to go to -a boarding-house?” - -“I suspect,” said Gilbert, hesitating, for he was not clear whether he -ought to tell this, “that it was Mrs. Briggs’ idea. From the first, she -has not seemed to like me.” - -“I don’t like her looks,” said Laura; “I have seen her several times. -You know, papa, she was at the same hotel with us at Saratoga. She looks -cross.” - -“You must not speak too hastily against people, Laura,” said Mrs. -Vivian. - -“I suspect Laura only shares the general feeling,” said Mr. Vivian. -“Mrs. Briggs is, by no means, a favorite in society.” - -“Nor Randolph, either,” added Laura. - -“I thought he was a beau of yours, Laura,” said her father, slyly. - -“He never was, papa. I used to meet him at dancing-school, and I have -danced with him there; but that is the end of our acquaintance. If he -bows to me I bow back, but I don’t care to know any more of him.” - -“Can’t we have a little music, Laura?” asked her father. - -“I only play a little. Do you play, Gilbert?” - -“No, Miss Laura.” - -“Or sing?” - -“A little.” - -“Then I’ll make a bargain; I will play if you will sing.” - -“I hardly feel prepared to sing in company.” - -“This isn’t company. You needn’t mind any of us. Fred, open the -folding-doors, will you?” - -The piano was in the parlor adjoining. The doors were thrown open, and -Laura sat down to the piano. Two or three songs were selected, and -Gilbert sang to Laura’s accompaniment. He had a good voice, and a -correct ear, and the double performance passed off smoothly. - -“Doesn’t your brother sing?” asked Gilbert. - -“Fred? He don’t know one tune from another; besides, he don’t like the -piano. The hand-organ is his favorite instrument.” - -“I mean to buy one when I am rich enough,” said Fred. - -“Shall you go around with it?” asked Laura; “or only keep it in the -parlor for the entertainment of visitors?” - -“You may laugh as much as you like,” said Fred; “but a hand-organ, that -is, a good one, sounds splendid.” - -“Did you ever see such a barbarian? Gilbert, what else do you sing?” - -The evening slipped away almost before they were aware. To Gilbert, it -was positively delightful. Not that he was in love with Laura, but, -never having had a sister, it was an agreeable novelty to him to meet a -young girl so frank and attractive as Laura. - -“I hope you will come again soon, Mr. Greyson,” said Mrs. Vivian, when -our hero rose to take his leave. - -“Yes, do come,” said Laura. - -“I shall consider it a privilege to call,” said Gilbert, with sincerity. - -“By the way,” said Mr. Vivian, “I have taken several tickets for a -concert in Steinway Hall next Wednesday evening. I have a spare one for -you, Mr. Greyson, if you have no engagement.” - -“I shall be very glad to accept one, sir.” - -“Then come up to dinner that evening; we dine at six. We will all go -together.” - -“Am I to go?” asked Fred. - -“There will be a ticket for you, if you would like to go, though I am -afraid you won’t enjoy the classical music you will hear.” - -“No matter,” said Fred, “I’ll go, though I’d rather go to a circus.” - -“If there were only a hand-organ, Fred would enjoy it,” suggested Laura. - - * * * * * - -“Well, Gilbert, what sort of a time did you have?” asked Mr. Ingalls, -when his room-mate returned. - -“Delightful! I am going to dine there next Wednesday.” - -“It seems to me you are making a favorable impression in that quarter.” - -“I hope so.” - -A knock was heard at the door. - -“Come in,” said Mr. Ingalls. - -Mr. Alphonso Jones opened the door and entered. - -“Excuse my late intrusion, gents,” he said. “And how did you find the -Vivians, Mr. Greyson?” - -“Very well, thank you.” - -“They are very high-toned people.” - -“I presume so, but I am not much of a judge,” said Gilbert - -“Probably,” said Mr. Ingalls, “you do not know as many of that class as -Mr. Jones. Did you find the Montmorencys well, Mr. Jones?” - -“Quite so, thank you. Mrs. Montmorency has had a bad cold; but she has -quite recovered now. They talk of going to Europe next summer.” - -“Do they, indeed? How you will miss them!” - -“To be sure. However, I have many other friends in the first circles -whom I can visit. I suppose, Mr. Greyson, the Vivians have a fine -house?” - -“It seems very comfortable.” - -“The Montmorencys live in a perfect palace. I wish you could see it.” - -“I wish I could, Mr. Jones,” said Mr. Ingalls; “but you wouldn’t take -me, you know.” - -“I couldn’t, Mr. Ingalls, as I explained to you. They are so very -exclusive.” - -“I wonder visiting such fine houses doesn’t make you dissatisfied with -your own home.” - -“Oh, my tastes are very plain,” said Alphonso. - - “‘Mid pleasures and palaces though I may roam, - Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home.’” - -“Some of your own poetry, Mr. Jones?” asked Mr. Ingalls, demurely. - -“No, it’s Shakespeare or Byron,” answered Jones; “I forget which. -Good-evening, gents.” - -“Would you like to know where Mr. Jones spent the evening, Gilbert?” -asked his room-mate. - -“On Fifth Avenue?” - -“No. Mr. Tarbox followed him, and saw him enter a billiard-saloon on the -Bowery. Jones is a first-class humbug.” - - - - - CHAPTER XV. - - AT STEINWAY HALL. - - -Simon Moore, the book-keeper in the broker’s office where Gilbert was -employed, was a young man, somewhat under thirty. He understood his -business very well, and thus far had given satisfaction to Mr. Sands. -Personally, however, he was not agreeable. He was irritable and -exacting, and had not been liked even by his cousin John, when the -latter was office boy. Now, however, that John had been discharged, the -book-keeper, as we have seen, made common cause with him, and John came -to look upon him as a friend. - -In this Moore was not altogether disinterested. John’s mother, who was -his aunt, kept a boarding-house, and found it difficult to meet her -expenses. John’s wages, though small, were important to her, and now -that she was deprived of this resource, her nephew feared that he might -be called on for assistance. It was in order to save his own purse that -he desired to reinstate John in his old place. The readiest method that -occurred to him was to prejudice Mr. Sands against Gilbert. - -“Are you going out this evening, cousin Simon?” asked John, one evening. - -“I may go out by and by.” - -“May I go with you?” - -“If you want to.” - -Simon Moore was not always willing to be troubled with his cousin, but -this evening he chanced to be in a pleasanter humor than usual. - -“I have tickets to a concert, John,” he said. “Would you like to go?” - -“Very much,” answered John, readily. - -“The tickets were given me by a friend of mine, who is on the ‘Times,’” -explained Moore. - -“Where is the concert, cousin Simon?” - -“At Steinway Hall.” - -It was, in fact, the same concert to which Gilbert was invited by Mr. -Vivian. - -The book-keeper was not remarkable for his liberality, and John had been -not a little surprised at receiving the invitation, until he learned -that the tickets had cost his cousin nothing. - -Eight o’clock found them in their seats at Steinway Hall. The concert -did not commence punctually, and they had some time to look about them. - -“Do you see any one you know, cousin Simon,” asked John. - -“Yes,” said the book-keeper, “I see a particular friend of yours.” - -“A particular friend of mine!” repeated John, puzzled. “Where?” - -“Five rows in front of this. There, near the centre of the hall.” - -“I don’t see any body I know.” - -“It is Gilbert Greyson, your successor in our office.” - -“It is he, I declare. He is talking to a pretty girl beside him.” - -“That girl is the daughter of Mr. Vivian, the great importer.” - -“You don’t say so. How on earth did he come to know her?” - -“I can’t say,” answered Moore, coldly. “He is a very forward, pushing -fellow. That may explain it.” - -“I hate him,” said John. - -“I don’t love him overmuch myself,” said Moore. - -John and his cousin were not the only acquaintances who recognized -Gilbert on that evening. - -Randolph and his mother sat two rows behind the Vivians. Mr. Briggs had -intended to come, but had a headache. He had suggested that the extra -ticket be sent to Gilbert; but Mrs. Briggs had decisively objected. - -“I don’t care about having that boy seen with us in Steinway Hall,” she -said. - -“Why not?” asked Mr. Briggs. - -“I don’t fancy him. Besides, he would be presuming on our kindness.” - -“I don’t think he is the kind of boy to do that,” said Mr. Briggs, who -understood Gilbert much better than his wife. “It is a pity the ticket -should not be used.” - -“If it were in a different part of the house, away from our seats, I -should not care particularly,” said Mrs. Briggs. “If he went with us, he -might be thought to be a near relative.” - -“I don’t think he would do us any discredit, either in appearance or in -manners,” said her husband. - -“You are simply infatuated with that boy, Mr. Briggs. I am sure Randolph -doesn’t want his company.” - -“No, I don’t,” said Randolph. - -“Like mother, like son,” thought Mr. Briggs; but for the sake of peace -he did not think it best to press the matter. - -Soon after Randolph and his mother took their seats, the former -discovered Gilbert sitting nearly in front of him. - -“He’s here, after all, mother,” he exclaimed, in a low voice. - -“Who is here, Randolph?” - -“Gilbert Greyson. Don’t you see him?” - -“He’s with the Vivians, too!” ejaculated Mrs. Briggs, unpleasantly -surprised. “That boy doesn’t appear to have a particle of shame.” - -“He needn’t be ashamed of his company. I wish I were in his place.” - -“I don’t mean that. He probably hinted to Mr. Vivian to take him, and he -couldn’t very well refuse.” - -“Very likely,” said Randolph. “He’s got plenty of cheek.” - -Both mother and son could see that Gilbert and Laura Vivian were -conversing pleasantly, judging from the smiles on the faces of each. - -“Mr. and Mrs. Vivian are not very wise in permitting such an intimacy -between their daughter and a penniless boy,” said Mrs. Briggs, frowning. -“Some people are very unwise.” - -“I dare say he pretends he is rich, and boasts of father’s being his -guardian,” suggested Randolph. - -“I dare say you are correct,” said Mrs. Briggs. “If I knew Mrs. Vivian, -I would correct that wrong impression.” - -Here the music commenced, and the two were silent. - -Randolph cared very little for the music, which was too classical to -suit his taste. He did not expect to like it, but he went because he -knew that the audience would be a fashionable one, and he liked to be -seen on such occasions. Gilbert had more musical taste, and appreciated -the greater part of what he had heard. - -When the concert was over, he thanked Mr. Vivian cordially for the -invitation. - -“I have had a very pleasant evening, thanks to you, sir,” he said. - -“I am glad you have enjoyed it,” said Mr. Vivian, kindly. “Come and see -us soon.” - -“Thank you, sir.” - -Just after this parting, Gilbert fell in with Mrs. Briggs and Randolph. - -“Good-evening, Mrs. Briggs,” he said, politely. “Good-evening, Randolph. -Where were you sitting? I did not see you.” - -“We saw you,” said Randolph. “You were nearly in front of us.” - -“Did Mr. Vivian invite you to come?” asked Mrs. Briggs, coldly. - -“Yes, madam.” - -“You are making the most of your chance meeting with them.” - -There was something unpleasant in her tone, and Gilbert detected it. - -“They have been very kind and polite to me,” he answered, in a reserved -tone. - -“I would not advise you to presume upon it too far,” continued Mrs. -Briggs. - -“I don’t intend to, madam,” said Gilbert, stiffly. “I don’t think I -have.” - -“You seemed very attentive to Laura,” said Randolph, with a -characteristic sneer. - -“It was my duty to be polite,” said Gilbert. - -By this time they had reached the street, and Gilbert said -“Good-evening.” - -Neither Mrs. Briggs nor Randolph invited him to call, though the fact -that Mr. Briggs was still his guardian would have made such an -invitation only an act of ordinary politeness. - -As he made his way toward Fourth Avenue, Gilbert brushed against Simon -Moore and John; but having his mind occupied, he did not notice them. - -“There he goes!” said John, enviously. “I wish I had as much cheek as -that fellow has.” - -“You’ve got a fair amount, John,” said his cousin, drily. - -“I didn’t know it,” said John, aggrieved. - -“Never mind, John,” said the book-keeper, with unwonted good-humor. -“Suppose we go in somewhere and have oysters. I feel hungry.” - -“So do I,” said John, briskly. “I know a bully place near by.” - -“If it’s a good place, you can lead me there. While we are discussing -the oysters, I have a little plan to tell you about, that may give you -back your place at our office.” - -“Good!” said John. “You’re a true friend, cousin Simon.” - -Ten minutes later they were sitting in a curtained compartment, in a -saloon famous for the excellence of its oysters. - -In the next compartment, two minutes previous, Mr. Sands, the broker, -had taken his seat and given his order; but of this neither John nor his -cousin had the slightest suspicion. - - - - - CHAPTER XVI. - - A PLOT AGAINST GILBERT. - - -The next day Mr. Sands received an unexpected summons to Washington. A -brother, who was clerk in one of the departments, was seriously ill, and -he was summoned to his bedside. - -“How long shall you be absent, sir?” inquired Simon Moore. - -“I cannot say; it will depend on how I find my brother. Keep me apprised -of what is going on by letter, and, if necessary, by telegraph.” - -“Yes, sir,” said Simon, cheerfully; “you may rely upon me.” - -“Where is Gilbert?” - -“Gone to the post-office.” - -“I have sometimes thought, Mr. Moore, that you were prejudiced against -the boy.” - -“I was at first, sir,” said Moore; “but on the whole he seems faithful, -and disposed to do his duty.” - -Mr. Sands smiled slightly, but this Mr. Moore did not observe. - -“I think well of him myself,” he said. - -“If he does well, he won’t have reason to complain of me,” said the -book-keeper. - -Again Mr. Sands smiled, but said nothing. Just as he was leaving the -office for the cars, Gilbert returned. - -“I wish, Gilbert, you would accompany me to the Courtland Street Ferry,” -said his employer. “I am going to Washington this afternoon.” - -“Indeed, sir!” - -“I am summoned to my brother’s sick-bed.” - -“When did you hear of his sickness, sir?” asked Gilbert, in a -sympathizing tone. - -“A week since; but last evening I learned by a telegram that he is -dangerously sick.” - -By this time they were on their way to the ferry. - -“You may take my valise, Gilbert,” said the broker, “if you are -willing.” - -“Certainly, sir,” said Gilbert, politely. “I hope you will find your -brother better.” - -“I certainly hope so. He would be a great loss to his family. By the -way, how are you getting on with Mr. Moore?” - -“I hardly know, sir,” said Gilbert. “I don’t think he likes me.” - -“Have you done anything to offend him?” - -“Not that I am aware of. I have always treated him with respect.” - -“That is right. If you get into any trouble with him while I am away, -come to me after I return, and tell me all about it.” - -Gilbert looked surprised, but of course promised to do so. - -“I shall try not to get into any disturbance,” he said. - -“I hope you won’t, but I fancy you will,” said his employer. - -“I hope you don’t think I am quarrelsome, Mr. Sands.” - -“No, that is not my reason. I will say no more at present, except to -request you, if anything happens, to give me a truthful and detailed -account of it when I return.” - -“Thank you, sir, I will,” said Gilbert, who, though puzzled, felt that -his employer was friendly towards him. - -Gilbert waited till the boat started, and then returned to the office. -He regretted Mr. Sands’ absence, for something told him that Mr. Moore -would make it very disagreeable for him while he was gone. Indeed, the -book-keeper was not long in showing his state of feeling towards our -hero. As Gilbert entered, he looked up sharply from his desk. - -“So you are back at last?” he said unpleasantly. - -“Yes, sir,” answered Gilbert. - -“I thought you intended to remain away all day.” - -“Mr. Sands desired me to go to the ferry with him.” - -“He didn’t desire you to stop to play on the way home.” - -“Did you see me playing on the way home?” demanded Gilbert, provoked. - -“How could I when I was at work in the office?” - -“Has any one reported to you that I stopped to play?” - -“No.” - -“Then why do you charge me with it?” - -“Look here, young man, I advise you not to try any of your impudence on -me!” said Simon Moore, who, knowing himself in the wrong, was all the -more angry. “I tell you, once for all, that I won’t stand it.” - -“I don’t intend to be impudent, Mr. Moore; but I do expect decent -treatment from you.” - -“You are showing your hand pretty quick, young man. No sooner does Mr. -Sands leave the city than you begin to put on your airs. I shall take -care to report your conduct to him.” - -“I have neither done nor said anything that I am ashamed to have -reported to him.” - -“Shut up!” said Moore, sharply. - -Gilbert saw that there was no use in prolonging the dispute, and quietly -went about his duties. While he was absent on an errand, a little later, -his predecessor, John, looked in the door, and, seeing his cousin alone, -entered. - -“Good-morning, cousin Simon,” he said. “Where is Mr. Sands?” - -“Gone to Washington.” - -“He has? How long will he be gone?” - -“A week perhaps.” - -John’s eyes sparkled. - -“That’s favorable for us, isn’t it?” he said. - -Simon Moore nodded significantly. - -“You are right there,” he said. “When he gets back, Gilbert Greyson -won’t be here.” - -“You’ll do what we were talking about last evening?” - -“Yes, I shall have plenty of chances while Sands is away.” - -“Can’t you manage it to-day?” - -“No, it would look suspicious; I don’t want Mr. Sands to suspect -anything.” - -“How soon, then?” - -“Say day after to-morrow. In order to avert suspicion, I will in my -letter of to-morrow speak a good word for Gilbert,—say he’s doing better -than I anticipated, or something of that sort. The next day the -explosion will come.” - -“You’ll bounce Gilbert?” - -“Yes, I’ll take that upon myself, and explain to Sands when he returns. -Ten to one he won’t interfere then.” - -“And you’ll take me in Gilbert’s place?” - -“Yes, I’ll do that, too. But you must do better than you did last time. -The fact is, John, you were lazy and careless. I was sorry to have you -go, as you are my cousin; but I couldn’t blame Mr. Sands much.” - -“Oh, I’ll turn over a new leaf, cousin Simon,” said John, readily. “You -shan’t have anything to complain of.” - -“I hope not.” - -Here Gilbert returned from his errand, and the conversation necessarily -closed. - -Gilbert nodded politely to John, though he took no particular fancy to -him. - -“So the boss is away?” said John, sociably. - -“Yes, he has been called away.” - -“I suppose you are glad of it?” - -“Why should I be?” - -“When the cat’s away, the mice can play, you know.” - -“This mouse does not care about playing,” said Gilbert, smiling. - -“Gilbert is a model boy,” said Simon Moore, with a sneer. - -“I never set up for one,” said John, in a tone of congratulation. - -“I should say not,” sneered the book-keeper, who could not abstain from -criticising even his cousin, in whose favor he was intriguing to oust -Gilbert from his position. “However, I’ll say this for you, that you are -not a hypocrite.” - -“And I never want to be,” said John, virtuously. - -Of course Gilbert understood that here was another hit at him; but he -was discreet enough to understand that it would do him no good to notice -it. - -Presently John turned to go. - -“Is there anything I can do for you, cousin Simon?” he asked. - -“Not to-day,” answered the book-keeper, significantly. “You can look -round again in a day or two.” - -“All right.” - -As John left the office, a small boot-black approached him. - -“Shine yer boots?” he asked. - -“Get out of my way!” said John, crossly, at the same time lifting his -foot and kicking the boy. - -“What did you do that for?” said the boy, angrily. - -“Because I pleased.” - -“Then take that;” and the knight of the brush swiftly touched John’s -cheek with the dirty brush, leaving a black mark upon his assailant’s -cheek. - -John would have renewed the attack, but a chorus of laughter at his -appearance drove him back into the office to wash off the black mark. - -“I’ll wring his neck when I get a chance,” muttered John, angrily. - -“He wouldn’t have touched you, if you had let him alone,” said Gilbert. -“Why did you kick him?” - -“Because I pleased. Mind your business, or I may kick you, too.” - -“You’d better not,” said Gilbert, quietly. - - - - - CHAPTER XVII. - - THE PLOT SUCCEEDS. - - -The third day was rainy, and Gilbert wore a thin overcoat, which, on -arriving at the office, he took off and hung up. At ten o’clock the rain -ceased, and he did not feel the need of wearing it when sent out on -errands. - -About eleven o’clock John sauntered into the office. - -“You may go round to the post-office, Gilbert,” said the book-keeper. - -“Very well, sir.” - -Gilbert put on his coat and went out. - -“Isn’t it about time, cousin Simon?” asked John, significantly. - -“Yes,” said Moore. - -“How shall we manage?” - -The book-keeper took from his pocket a ten-dollar bill, and handed it to -John. - -“That is Gilbert’s coat,” he said. “Put this bill into one of the -pockets.” - -John obeyed. - -“I guess that will fix him,” he said, in a tone of satisfaction. - -“I’ll manage the rest,” said the book-keeper. “Stay round here till -Gilbert gets back, and we’ll bring matters to a crisis.” - -Just as John was placing the bill in Gilbert’s coat-pocket, the little -boot-black mentioned at the close of the last chapter thrust his head -into the doorway. - -“Shine yer boots?” he asked. - -“Clear out, you vagabond!” said the book-keeper, irritably. - -Tom, for that was his name, looked inquisitively about him and retired. -He saw that there was no chance for business. He recognized John as the -one who had kicked him the day before. - -“I wonder what he was putting into the coat,” he thought; but dismissed -the thought as not concerning him till afterwards. - -“Did he notice what I was doing?” thought John, with momentary -uneasiness. “But, of course, he wouldn’t understand,” he felt, with -quick relief. - -A few minutes elapsed, and Gilbert returned, bringing home the mail. - -“All right!” said Moore, “wait a minute, and I shall want to send you -out again.” - -“Oh, by the way, Gilbert,” he said, after a moment’s pause, “have you -seen anything of a ten-dollar bill?—I laid one on the desk an hour ago, -and now it has disappeared.” - -“I haven’t seen it, sir.” - -“Won’t you look on the floor? It may have dropped.” - -Gilbert searched, but of course unsuccessfully. - -“That is strange,” said the book-keeper. “I remember distinctly placing -the bill on the desk; have you seen it, John?” - -“No, cousin Simon.” - -“It is very mysterious,” mused the book-keeper. - -“I hope you don’t suspect me of taking it, cousin Simon,” said John, who -had been instructed what to say. - -“Of course not.” - -John began to turn his pockets inside out. - -“I want you to search me,” he said; “if you don’t, you may think I took -it, after all.” - -“I never thought of such a thing, John,” said Simon Moore. - -“I am sure Gilbert and I would prefer to be searched,” persisted John, -looking towards Gilbert as he spoke. - -Gilbert colored, for it was not agreeable to him to fall under -suspicion, but he answered quietly, “I am quite ready to be searched.” - -“I don’t think it at all necessary,” said Simon Moore; “but if you boys -insist upon it, I will do it. It is certainly strange that the bill -should have disappeared, and left no trace behind. Gilbert, will you -search John, and then he shall search you.” - -“If you desire it, Mr. Moore,” said Gilbert; “but I don’t believe John -took the bill, and I am sure I didn’t.” - -Gilbert proceeded to search John, the latter assisting him. A -jack-knife, a couple of keys, a handkerchief, and twenty-five cents in -money were all that he found. - -“I’m not very rich,” said John, smiling. “I don’t mind saying that the -ten dollars would be very acceptable, but I haven’t got it; are you -satisfied?” - -“Yes,” said Gilbert, “you haven’t got it, and I didn’t think you had; -you may search me now.” - -John conducted the search carelessly, for he knew, beforehand, what the -result would be. - -“I don’t find it,” he said. “Where can the bill be? Are you sure you -didn’t put it back into your own pocket, cousin Simon?” - -“Quite sure. By the way, Gilbert, didn’t you wear an overcoat?” - -“Yes, sir; there it is, hanging up.” - -“John, you had better examine that also, that the search may be -thorough.” - -“Certainly,” said Gilbert, little dreaming of what was in store for him. - -John plunged his hand into one pocket and found nothing; then into the -other, and drew out the ten-dollar bill. - -“What’s this?” he asked, pretending to be surprised. - -“Let me see it,” said Gilbert, overcome with surprise. - -“Let _me_ see it,” said Simon Moore, sharply. - -“It’s a ten-dollar bill,” said John, looking at it more closely. - -“It’s the note I missed,” said the book-keeper, taking it into his -hands. “What have you to say to this, Greyson?” he demanded, sternly. - -“I have this to say,” said Gilbert, a little pale, as was natural, “that -I don’t know anything about that bill, or how it came in my -coat-pocket.” - -“I suppose not,” sneered the book-keeper. - -“I am willing to swear to it,” said Gilbert, recovering his firmness. - -“A boy that steals money cannot expect to be believed, even upon oath,” -said the book-keeper. - -“Do you believe I took that money, John?” asked Gilbert. - -“You mustn’t ask me,” said John. “I didn’t think you’d do such a thing, -Gilbert, but it looks mighty suspicious.” - -“I never stole a penny in my life,” said Gilbert, hotly. - -“Do you claim this money as yours?” asked the book-keeper. - -“No, I don’t.” - -“Then how came it in your pocket? It couldn’t have got there without -hands.” - -A light dawned upon Gilbert’s mind; a suspicion of the truth flashed -upon him. - -“It is true,” he said, significantly. “Somebody must have put it into my -pocket.” - -“And that somebody was yourself,” said Moore, sharply. - -“Of course it was,” chimed in John. - -Gilbert looked slowly from one to the other. There was something in -their faces that revealed all to him. - -“I think I understand,” he said. “You two have formed a conspiracy to -ruin me. I see it now.” - -“If you speak in that way again,” said Moore, in a rage, “I will kick -you out of the office.” - -“I should like to have you refer the matter to Mr. Sands,” said Gilbert, -betraying no alarm. “He will do me justice.” - -“I ought to refer the matter to the nearest policeman,” said the -book-keeper, in a menacing tone. - -“Do so, if you like,” said Gilbert, though he shrank with natural -reluctance from being arrested, innocent as he knew himself to be. “I am -not without powerful friends, as you will find.” - -“Don’t have him arrested, cousin Simon,” said John, with apparent -compassion. “He has given up the money. Discharge him, and let him go.” - -This was what Simon Moore had already determined to do. He knew very -well that in any legal investigation John and he would incur suspicion, -and for prudential reasons he preferred not to court any such publicity. - -“I ought to arrest you,” he said, turning to Gilbert; “but I will have -pity on your youth, hoping that this will be your last offence. I shall, -of course, discharge you, since I should not be justified in retaining -you under the circumstances. I will report to Mr. Sands why I was -compelled to dispense with your services. I will pay you your wages up -to to-day, and you need not come here again.” - -“Don’t trouble yourself about that, Mr. Moore,” said Gilbert, with -dignity. “I shall report to Mr. Sands when he returns, and abide by his -judgment.” - -“You had better not,” said Moore. “I advise you for your own good. Mr. -Sands will still have it in his power to arrest you; your best course -will be to leave the city, and go to some place where you are not -known.” - -“I shall remain in the city, and can be found, if wanted,” said Gilbert, -boldly. “The day will come, Mr. Moore, when my innocence will be known -by all.” - -Moore shrugged his shoulders. - -“I have heard such things before,” he said. “You can go. John, I will -employ you, temporarily, in Gilbert’s place.” - -“I understand your object now, Mr. Moore,” said Gilbert, looking -significantly at John. - -“Begone, or I will yet have you arrested,” said the book-keeper, -angrily. - -Gilbert put on his coat and hat, and walked out of the office. - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - - AN HUMBLE FRIEND. - - -Just outside the office from which he had been discharged, Gilbert was -accosted by Tom, the boot-black. - -“Shine yer boots?” - -Gilbert shook his head. - -“Only five cents, mister,—that’s half price.” - -“That’s cheap enough,” said Gilbert; “but I’ve just lost my place, and I -cannot afford to pay even that.” - -“Been bounced?” asked Tom. - -“Yes.” - -“What for?” - -Gilbert hesitated. He did not like to admit that he had been suspected -of dishonesty; still he was innocent, and had nothing to be ashamed of -in the matter. He accordingly related what had happened. - -Tom whistled. - -“Did you say the money was found in your pocket?” he asked. - -“In the pocket of my overcoat,” he replied. - -“And was your coat hanging up?” - -“Yes.” - -“Then I know how the money got there.” - -“You know how the money got into my pocket!” repeated Gilbert, in -surprise. - -“Yes, the other boy put it there.” - -“What other boy,—the boy that’s in the office?” - -“Yes, his name is John.” - -“How did you happen to see him do it?” asked Gilbert, eagerly. - -“I went to the door to see if the book-keeper didn’t want a shine; just -as I was looking in, I see that boy John go to a coat, and put a bill -into the pocket. I thought it was his coat, and wondered what made him -keep his money loose in that way. Did he say you put it there?” - -“Yes.” - -“He wanted you bounced—that’s what’s the matter.” - -“You are right; he wanted the place himself, and now he’s got it.” - -“Just you go back and tell the book-keeper all about it, and I’ll stand -by you,” suggested Tom. - -Gilbert shook his head. - -“It won’t do,” he said. “John is Mr. Moore’s cousin, and I feel sure -they are both in the plot; they would say you were lying.” - -“Let ’em say it,” said Tom. “I’ll punch their heads if they do.” - -Gilbert smiled at the zeal of his humble friend. “I am afraid that would -do neither of us any good,” he said. - -“Won’t you do nothin’, then?” asked Tom, disappointed. “Will you stay -bounced?” - -“Yes, till Mr. Sands comes back.” - -“Is he the boss?” - -“Yes; he is now in Washington, and may not return for several days. When -he comes back, I shall want you to tell him all you saw.” - -“I’ll do it,” said Tom. - -“What is your name? Where can I find you if I want you?” - -“I hang out at the Newsboys’ Lodge. My name is Tom Connor.” - -“Thank you, Tom; I’m very glad I met you. Your testimony will be -valuable to me. Don’t say anything about it to anybody else at present. -I want to surprise them.” - -“All right.” - -“I think I will have a shine, after all,” said Gilbert, wishing to repay -his new friend by a little patronage. - -“I’ll make your boots shine so you can see your face in ’em,” said Tom, -dropping on his knees, and proceeding to his task energetically. - -“That will save me the expense of a looking-glass,” said Gilbert. - -“So it will,” said Tom. - -When the last was completed, Gilbert drew ten cents from his pocket, and -extended it towards Tom, but to his surprise the bootblack did not offer -to take it. - -“Never mind,” said he, “I don’t want no pay.” - -“Why not? You have earned it,” said Gilbert, wondering at the refusal. - -“You’re bounced, and aint got no money to spare. I’ll wait till you’ve -got your place again.” - -“You are very kind,” said Gilbert, grateful for the considerate sympathy -of his humble present; “but I am not so badly off as some, for I have no -board to pay. You’d better take the money.” - -“I’ll take five cents,” said Tom; “that’ll be enough. I’d rather work -for you for nothin’ than for that other feller for full price.” - -“You don’t like him, then? Did he ever employ you?” - -“He kicked me yesterday; but I got even with him,” he added, in a tone -of satisfaction. - -“How did you get even with him?” - -“I blacked his face for him,” said Tom, brandishing the brush. - -Gilbert laughed. - -“He didn’t fancy that, I suppose?” - -“He had to go back and wash his face,” said Tom, laughing at the -recollection. - -“Well, Tom, good-by,” said Gilbert, preparing to go. “I’ll hunt you up -when Mr. Sands gets back.” - -“You’ll find me round here somewheres; this is where I stand.” - -Gilbert walked away, feeling considerably more cheerful and hopeful than -before his interview with Tom. Now he felt that he had at hand the means -of his vindication, and his idleness would only be temporary. He was -shocked at the meanness and wickedness of John and the book-keeper in -forming such a conspiracy against him. He was already learning the -lesson of distrust, and that is never a pleasant lesson for any of us. -Fortunately, we need not distrust everybody. He must be indeed -unfortunate who does not find some true friends to keep up his faith in -humanity. Our hero had found one, who, though but a boot-black, was -likely to be of essential service to him. - -It is said that ill news travels fast. That very evening Mrs. Briggs -learned that Gilbert had lost his situation, and from what cause. It -happened in this way. - -Randolph, chancing to be down-town, it occurred to him to call upon -Gilbert. His call was made about half an hour after Gilbert had been -discharged. - -He entered the office, and, looking about, saw John, who appeared to be -employed. He asked, in some surprise, “Does not Gilbert Greyson work -here?” - -“No,” answered John promptly, “not now.” - -“How is that?” - -“He was discharged this morning. Can I do anything for you?” - -“Discharged!” exclaimed Randolph, much surprised. “What was he -discharged for?” - -Here Simon Moore took part in the conversation. - -“Are you a friend of Gilbert Greyson?” he asked. - -“Ye-es,” answered Randolph, in a tone of hesitation. “That is, he’s an -acquaintance of mine.” - -“If you feel interested in him, I have unpleasant news for you.” - -Randolph pricked up his ears. - -“What has happened?” he inquired. - -“To be brief, I am afraid your friend is not strictly honest.” - -“You don’t say so!” exclaimed Randolph, really amazed. “He hasn’t run -off with any money, has he?” - -“He isn’t very much interested in him,” the book-keeper said to himself -shrewdly. “He doesn’t say anything in his defence.” - -“No; but I am afraid he would if the theft had not been detected so -soon.” - -“What was it,—money?” - -“A ten-dollar bill, which I laid casually on the desk, suddenly -disappeared. It was found, after a little search, in the pocket of your -friend’s coat.” - -“He isn’t my friend; he is only an acquaintance,” said Randolph. “I -don’t know much about him. I didn’t think he’d steal, though. Did he own -up?” - -“Not he; he was too brazen. Mr. Sands was absent from the city, but I -did not hesitate to discharge him at once. In our business a boy must -often be trusted with sums of value, and I should not feel safe in -continuing to employ him.” - -[Illustration: GILBERT ACCUSED OF STEALING.] - -“I suppose you’re right,” said Randolph. “I wonder what father’ll say.” - -“Well, I guess I’ll be going,” he continued. “I didn’t expect to hear -such news of Gilbert.” - -“We regret it very much,” said the book-keeper, hypocritically. - -“Of course,” said Randolph. “Serves him right. He shouldn’t have made -such a fool of himself.” - -“That fellow don’t care much about Gilbert, John,” said Simon Moore, -after Randolph’s departure. - -“That’s so,” said John. - -“If he has no warmer friends than that, we shan’t have any applications -to take him back.” - -“I hope not,” said John. “What do you think Mr. Sands will say when he -finds me here?” - -“If I tell him you have done your duty, and done all I required, he’ll -probably keep you. You must do better than you did last time. No fooling -away your time in the streets when you are sent on an errand. It won’t -do.” - -“There won’t be any trouble about me,” said John, confidently. - - - - - CHAPTER XIX. - - A DOMESTIC DISCUSSION. - - -Randolph hurried home to tell his mother what he had heard about -Gilbert’s loss of employment. He knew well enough her feeling towards -his father’s ward to feel sure that it would be welcome intelligence. - -“Detected in stealing money!” ejaculated Mrs. Briggs, triumphantly. -“Just what I predicted all along. I am not often deceived about -character.” - -“I never heard you predict it, mother,” said Randolph. - -“It was only because I did not like to speak against the boy,” said Mrs. -Briggs, only slightly discomfited. “I read it in his face the first day -he came here. I saw he was sly and underhanded.” - -“Well, I didn’t,” said Randolph, who was less malignant than his mother. -“I never thought he would do such a thing. I didn’t like him, of course, -but still I thought he was honest.” - -“I have lived longer in the world than you, Randolph,” said Mrs. Briggs, -sagaciously, “and I know that appearances are deceitful. I am not so -easily taken in as your father. He has been infatuated about this -disreputable boy. I hope the knowledge of the boy’s baseness will cure -him.” - -“I suppose we needn’t invite Gilbert to my party, now?” - -“No, of course not,” said Mrs. Briggs, with emphasis. “It would be an -insult to you to invite a boy convicted of theft.” - -“Father may insist upon it,” said Randolph. - -“Not unless he is bereft of his senses,” said Mrs. Briggs. “He has made -a point of it till now; but, of course, this will change his wishes.” - -Randolph did not reply; but, notwithstanding his mother’s assurance, he -felt some doubts on the subject. His father was, in general, yielding -and easily managed; but, as is often the case with such men, he was, at -times, unexpectedly firm. - -This conversation took place just before dinner. It was interrupted by -the arrival of Mr. Briggs, who went upstairs at once to prepare for -dinner. Fifteen minutes later they met around the dinner-table. By -arrangement with Randolph, Mrs. Briggs had reserved to herself the -pleasure of imparting to her husband the news she had heard. - -“I have heard some news to-day, Mr. Briggs,” she commenced, in a -premonitory tone. - -“Indeed, my dear! Pleasant news, I hope.” - -“I don’t think it will be pleasant to you, though, I must confess, it is -only what I have all along anticipated.” - -“You speak in enigmas, Mrs. Briggs. Will you kindly be a little more -explicit?” - -“You are aware, Mr. Briggs, that I have always had a very unfavorable -opinion of your protegé, the Greyson boy?” - -“You certainly have not concealed your opinion of him,” said her -husband, shrugging his shoulders. “Yes, I may say that I know your -opinion of him.” - -“I suppose you call it prejudice,” continued the lady. - -“Well, it certainly seems like it, not being founded on the knowledge of -anything to his detriment.” - -“That was not necessary. There is such a thing as reading character. I -judged him by his face.” - -“He seems to me to have a very frank, attractive face.” - -“As you read it,” said his wife, contemptuously. “Well, this paragon of -yours has lost his place.” - -“He has?” inquired Mr. Briggs, in evident surprise. - -“Yes, he has, and I am not surprised to hear it.” - -“Do you know why he was discharged?” - -“He was detected in theft—stealing a large sum of money!” answered Mrs. -Briggs, triumphantly. - -She expected that her husband would be overwhelmed at this disclosure; -but he asked quite calmly, “How do you know this? Who is your -informant?” - -“Randolph.” - -“What do you know of this, Randolph?” asked his father. - -Randolph gave his father an account of his visit to the office of Mr. -Sands, and the information given him there. - -“What do you say to that?” demanded Mrs. Briggs, in exultation. “Does -that change your opinion of your paragon?” - -“I think there is some mistake somewhere,” said Mr. Briggs. - -“Why should there be any mistake?” she asked. “Do you think Randolph -would tell a lie?” - -“There are other ways of accounting for the mistake. I have no idea that -Gilbert is guilty of what is charged against him.” - -“Really, this is absurd. You are perfectly infatuated with this boy,” -said Mrs. Briggs, angrily. - -“Mistakes have occurred before,” said her husband, with provoking -calmness. “I will investigate the matter.” - -“I don’t see what investigation is needed. The boy has stolen the money. -The book-keeper told Randolph so.” - -“The book-keeper may be mistaken.” - -“Not much chance of that.” - -“Or he may have taken the money himself and charged it upon Gilbert.” - -“Really, Mr. Briggs you are very perverse,” said his wife, impatiently. - -“Because I am not ready to believe Gilbert a thief before he is proved -so.” - -“After he has been proved so.” - -“There would be no need of trials or juries if you were a judge, my -dear,” said Mr. Briggs, smiling. “You would be for sentencing the -unfortunate defendant as soon as the charge had been brought against -him.” - -“Cherish your delusion as to the boy’s innocence as much as you like, -Mr. Briggs; but there is one thing which you will certainly concede.” - -“What is that?” - -“Gilbert Greyson must not be invited to Randolph’s party.” - -“Why not?” - -“A common thief—impossible!” - -“But suppose he is wrongfully accused?” - -“It is enough that he is accused, and probably guilty.” - -“I will investigate the matter, Mrs. Briggs. If I am convinced that the -boy is innocent, he shall be invited.” - -Mrs. Briggs was about to make an indignant protest, when the servant, -who had answered the door-bell, opened the door and ushered in the -innocent cause of the heated discussion,—Gilbert Greyson. - - - - - CHAPTER XX. - - A FEMALE FOE. - - -There was a moment of embarrassing silence after the entrance of -Gilbert. Mrs. Briggs, as she afterwards expressed it, was paralyzed with -astonishment at the effrontery of the boy. Randolph waited with -curiosity to hear what his parents would say, while Mr. Briggs was -silent merely because he was taken by surprise. He was the first to -speak, and his tone, though a little embarrassed, was yet not without -kindness. - -“Good-evening, Gilbert,” he said. “Won’t you sit down and have some -dinner?” - -Mrs. Briggs looked daggers at her husband. How could he dream of -extending such an invitation to Gilbert, under the circumstances. - -“No, thank you,” said Gilbert, “I have already dined.” - -“Then take a seat. We shall soon be through dinner.” - -“This is an unusual time to call,” said Mrs. Briggs frigidly, breaking -silence for the first time. - -“What difference does it make?” interposed her husband. “Gilbert is not -a stranger, to stand on ceremony.” - -“So it appears,” returned his wife, in the same unpleasant tone. - -“I ought to apologize for calling during your dinner-hour,” said -Gilbert, “but I wished particularly to consult you about my affairs.” - -Of course this was addressed to Mr. Briggs. Mrs. Briggs was perhaps the -last person in the range of his acquaintance whom our hero would have -cared to consult. - -“Anything new with you?” asked his guardian, in a tone of slight -embarrassment. - -“Yes,” answered Gilbert, frankly; “I am in trouble.” - -Mrs. Briggs glanced meaningly at Randolph, as if to say, “Now it’s -coming.” - -“You would perhaps wish to speak to me alone,” said Mr. Briggs. - -“Oh, if you have any secrets, Randolph and I can withdraw,” said Mrs. -Briggs, with unnecessary offence. She would have been deeply -disappointed to be excluded from the conference between Gilbert and her -husband. Our hero, however, relieved her of her apprehensions. - -“Though I am in trouble,” he said, “I have nothing to be ashamed of, and -am perfectly willing to speak before all of you.” - -Mr. Briggs here glanced at his wife with a relieved air. Gilbert spoke -as if confident of his own innocence. It produced no such effect on Mrs. -Briggs. - -“He’s going to brazen it out,” she said to herself. - -“Go on, then,” said Mr. Briggs, kindly. “What is your trouble?” - -“I have been charged with theft, and dismissed from my situation,” said -Gilbert, candidly. - -“Do you call that nothing to be ashamed of?” demanded Mrs. Briggs, -sharply. - -Gilbert met her hostile gaze with unflinching calmness. - -“No,” he said, “it is nothing for me to be ashamed of, for the charge is -false.” - -“What evidence have we of that except your own assertion?” demanded Mrs. -Briggs. - -“That is enough for me,” said Mr. Briggs. - -“It is not enough for me,” said his wife. - -“I will give you an account of the affair so far as I understand it,” -said Gilbert. “Fortunately, I have a witness who is able to confirm my -words.” - -Gilbert’s statement need not be repeated, as the facts are already known -to us. - -“So you expect us to believe the testimony of this boot-black.” said -Mrs. Briggs, scornfully,—“a highly respectable witness indeed.” - -“I suppose a boot-black may speak the truth, madam,” said Gilbert. - -“I dare say he would say whatever he was instructed to say for -twenty-five cents, perhaps less.” - -“You are determined to believe me guilty, Mrs. Briggs,” said Gilbert, -quietly, betraying no anger; “I expected it, for I knew you are -prejudiced against me.” - -“I certainly don’t believe the very extraordinary story you have told -us,” retorted the lady. “You charge a book-keeper, of high standing, -with entering into a conspiracy against you. It is absurd upon its -face.” - -“How do you know the book-keeper is of high standing?” asked Mr. Briggs. - -“Because Mr. Sands would not have any other.” - -“Gilbert has the same guaranty of high standing,” said her husband, -smiling. “He has been employed by Mr. Sands.” - -“That is different. He took him upon your recommendation.” - -“Would I be likely to recommend any boy not of high standing?” - -“Your levity seems to be ill-timed, Mr. Briggs,” said his wife, coldly. - -“I thought it my duty to come to you and tell you at once,” said -Gilbert. - -“Knowing that you could not conceal it from us, for we knew it already,” -said Mrs. Briggs, who could not forbear another sneer. - -“You knew it already!” exclaimed Gilbert, with unmistakable astonishment -“Has Mr. Moore already sent you word of it?” - -“No; Randolph happened to call at the office for you just after your -discharge. He brought us the news.” - -“I am much obliged to Randolph for his call,” said Gilbert; “I am only -sorry that it occurred at such an unfortunate time.” - -“It was unfortunate for you, no doubt,” said Mrs. Briggs. - -“When I return there, I hope you will call again,” said our hero, -turning to Randolph. - -Mrs. Briggs was exasperated by our hero’s coolness. - -“Have you the effrontery to fancy you will be taken back after such a -crime?” she demanded. - -“I have committed no crime, Mrs. Briggs. The charge is false, as I shall -prove to Mr. Sands when he returns from Washington. He is a just man, -and understands that the book-keeper is prejudiced against me.” - -“When will Mr. Sands return?” asked Mr. Briggs. - -“In a few days. He has gone to the sick-bed of his brother. I shall wait -till he returns before taking any steps to clear myself.” - -“It is probably your best course. I hope all will come out right.” - -“I think it will,” said Gilbert. “Now, let me bid you good-evening.” - -“Why not stay the evening?” said Mr. Briggs, in a friendly tone. - -“Thank you very much, but I will wait till I am cleared of this charge. -I came up to-night because I wanted you to know about it.” - -“I will accompany you to the door,” said Mr. Briggs. - -When they were in the hall, he said, “Next Wednesday Randolph is to have -a birthday party. I shall be glad to see you here.” - -“Thank you, sir,” said Gilbert, gratefully. “I thank you all the more, -because it shows that you believe in my innocence. But all the same, I -would rather not accept. I shall still be resting under this false -charge, and Mrs. Briggs evidently believes me guilty.” - -“Women are apt to be prejudiced,” said Mr. Briggs, apologetically. - -“Still the prejudice would make it unpleasant for me to come.” - -“Perhaps you are right, Gilbert. At any rate, you are manly and -independent, and I respect you for it. Come round to my office if -anything turns up in which you need my advice.” - -“Thank you, sir.” - -When Mr. Briggs returned to the dining-room, his wife accosted him. - -“Well, you had a secret conference with your promising protegé,” she -said. - -“Not secret. I am willing to tell you all that passed between us.” - -“Well?” - -“I invited Gilbert to attend Randolph’s party next Wednesday.” - -“Good heavens! Mr. Briggs,” exclaimed the lady, angrily, “this is a -little too much. Of course the boy snapped at it. He has more effrontery -than any boy I ever knew.” - -“He declined the invitation,” said Mr. Briggs. “He said that while -resting under this charge he was unwilling to be present on such an -occasion.” - -“Then he has more decency than I gave him credit for,” said Mrs. Briggs, -relieved. “Knowing his guilt, he would find it embarrassing.” - -“Permit me to differ with you, Mrs. Briggs. One thing more. I have only -given Gilbert a verbal invitation. Let me request you to send him a -personal invitation with the rest.” - -“What necessity is there for that? Has he not declined to come?” - -“He must receive a formal invitation, nevertheless,” said her husband, -sternly, “or there shall be no party.” - -“Your father is so infatuated with that boy,” said Mrs. Briggs, after -her husband had left the room. - -But she sent the invitation. She knew by her husband’s tone that he was -fully in earnest. She was still a little afraid that Gilbert would -accept, and was only quite freed from apprehension when she received a -note from him regretting that he could not be present. - - - - - CHAPTER XXI. - - ALPHONSO JONES. - - -“Would you like a little fun this evening, Gilbert?” asked his -room-mate, on the succeeding morning. - -“Yes,” said Gilbert; “I always enjoy fun, and especially now when I have -lost my place, since it will help me to forget my bad luck. Is there -anything up?” - -“Yes; we are going to play a practical joke on Alphonso Jones. We are -going to gratify his taste for associating with the aristocracy.” - -“What is your plan?” - -“I have discovered in Bleecker Street a stylish barber, who has a -smattering of French. In feet, he has served me more than once. He has -entered into our plot, and agreed to personate a French count—the Count -de Montmorency.” - -“Good!” said Gilbert, laughing. “When are the two to be brought -together?” - -“This very evening, in our room. I shall despatch a note to Mr. Jones -during the day, inviting him to meet my illustrious visitor. Hayward and -Kennedy are in the secret, and will be present also. Of course you will -be with us, but you must keep on a straight face.” - -“Never fear for me,” said Gilbert. “I will take care not to let the cat -out of the bag.” - -In conformity with the plan, Mr. Alphonso Jones received, during the -day, the following note:— - - “DEAR MR. JONES,—I shall be glad if you will favor me with your - company this evening, in my room. I have been fortunate enough to - make the acquaintance of an illustrious French nobleman, Count - Ernest de Montmorency, who, in the most condescending manner, has - accepted an invitation to spend this evening with me. You will find - him very affable and agreeable, notwithstanding his superiority in - social rank. I feel a little diffident about receiving him, not - being so well up in the usages of fashionable society as you are—I - rely on you to help me out. I have invited Hayward and Kennedy also - to be present. Greyson will, of course, be with us. If you have any - other engagement, break it for my sake. - - “Yours truly, - - “W. INGALLS.” - -The face of Jones was overspread with smiles as he read this epistle, -and he felt at least a foot taller. He could conceive of nothing more -glorious than to be introduced to a foreign nobleman. Once in his life -it had been his privilege to make the acquaintance of a brigadier-general, -who had given him two fingers to shake, and said, “I am glad to meet you, -sir.” Most of the fashionable acquaintances of whom he boasted had no -existence save in his imagination, but this general was a reality; he -was only a general of volunteers, but that made no difference to -Alphonso; he had managed hundreds of times to make capital of his -greatness in some such way as this: “My friend, General Smith, remarked -to me one day;” or, “Speaking of brave men reminds me of my intimate -friend, General Smith.” But even General Smith was not for a moment to -be compared to the Count Ernest de Montmorency; there was something -peculiarly high-toned in the name, Alphonso thought. So thought Mr. -Ingalls, or he would have invented some other. - -Alphonso was anxious to communicate to some one else the honor in store -for him; he would like to have gone to his employer at once, and said, -“Mr. Simpson, I am to meet the Count de Montmorency this evening.” This, -however, even to Alphonso, seemed rather an abrupt and uncalled-for -announcement, and he had to consider how best to manage the matter, for -he was determined that Mr. Simpson should know it. It was not entirely -easy, but finally a bright and satisfactory idea dawned upon the happy -Jones. - -He went up to the desk, behind which his employer, a stout, practical -man of business, was sitting, and coughed by the way of arresting his -attention. - -“Eh, Mr. Jones, did you wish to speak to me?” inquired Mr. Simpson. - -“Yes, sir,” said Alphonso; “would you be kind enough to let me leave the -store half an hour earlier than usual?” - -“If you have a good reason, Mr. Jones; are you sick?” - -“No, sir, my health is excellent, thank you. The fact is, sir, I have an -invitation to meet the noble count, Count Ernest de Montmorency, this -evening, and—” - -“The—what?” exclaimed his employer, arching his brows. - -“A French nobleman, sir—the Count Ernest de Montmorency,” repeated -Alphonso, trying not to betray too strongly his inward exultation. - -“What time are you going to meet him?” - -“This evening, sir, but I wish time to dress properly.” - -“Well, I don’t know that I have any objection,” said the merchant, -deliberately. “Where is this count stopping?” - -“I don’t know exactly, sir; but probably at the Brevoort House or the -Clarendon.” - -“Very well, you can go. Business is not pressing, and you can be spared. -But, hark you, Mr. Jones, one word of advice.” - -“Certainly, sir.” - -“If this count wants to borrow money of you, don’t lend him.” - -“I am sure he wouldn’t ask such a thing,” said Alphonso, shocked at the -idea. “Why, he possesses a beautiful chateau and an immense estate in -France!” - -Here Alphonso drew upon his imagination for what he considered to be -probable enough. - -“They all say so,” said the practical Simpson, “even when they haven’t -twenty-five cents to bless themselves with. My advice may be needed, -after all.” - -Alphonso was rather disgusted by this caution, which seemed so -derogatory to the character and position of a nobleman; but he, after -some reflection, attributed it to Mr. Simpson’s disappointment in not -himself enjoying the privilege of being invited to meet the count. - -“Mr. Kidder,” he said to a fellow-clerk, “what do you think of my -necktie?” - -“It looks well enough—why?” - -“I was wondering whether it would do to wear this evening.” - -“What’s up this evening?” - -“I am invited to meet the Count Ernest de Montmorency, as you will see -by this note.” - -“Strange Ingalls didn’t invite me,” said Kidder. “When did he pick up -the count?” - -“Really, Mr. Kidder, that is a singular way of speaking,—_picking up_ -the count,” protested Alphonso. - -“I have no great respect for French counts,” said Kidder. “They don’t -generally amount to much.” - -“He’s jealous, too,” said Alphonso to himself, complacently. “It is -clear he envies me my invitation.” - -“What do you think I ought to wear, Mr. Kidder?” he asked. - -“Dress suit and white tie, of course.” - -“So I think. I’m really sorry I can’t take you with me, Kidder.” - -“Oh, I couldn’t go to-night. I’ve got a ticket to the theatre.” - -“I’d rather meet the count than go to forty theatres,” thought Alphonso. -“Wouldn’t it be a splendid thing if he should take a fancy to me, and -invite me to visit him at his chateau in _la belle France_?” - -Alphonso made so many mistakes during the remainder of the day that he -might have been spared considerably sooner without detriment to the -business. - - - - - CHAPTER XXII. - - COUNT ERNEST DE MONTMORENCY. - - -At eight o’clock Alphonso knocked at the door of Mr. Ingalls’ room. He -was got up with the utmost magnificence which he could command. With his -dress-coat, white tie, and imitation diamond pin, he made an imposing -appearance. - -“I am glad to see you, Mr. Jones,” said Mr. Ingalls. “Count Ernest de -Montmorency, permit me to introduce my friend, Mr. Alphonso Jones.” - -The count, a little man, with a waxed mustache of extraordinary size, a -long nose, and pale, watery eyes, rose, and bowed profoundly. - -“I am most happy, Monsieur Jones, to have ze honor of making your -acquaintance,” he said. - -“My lord count, the honor is on my side,” returned Alphonso, with an -elaborate bow, which he had learned in dancing-school. - -“Mr. Jones,” said Ingalls, “will you take the chair next to the count? -Our distinguished friend is desirous of making some inquiries about -fashionable society in America.” - -“I shall be most happy,” replied Alphonso, immensely flattered, “to give -the noble count any information in my power.” - -“I understand from Monsieur Ingalls you do go much in society,” said the -count. - -“A little, your lordship,” said Mr. Jones, modestly. “I am intimate in -some of our leading families.” - -“You have some fine watering-places, _n’est ce pas_?” - -“Yes, my lord count,—Newport, Saratoga, and Long Branch are all -fashionable.” - -“You have visit zem all?” - -“Oh, yes,” answered Alphonso, who had once stopped over night at -Saratoga, and made a day’s excursion to Long Branch. “I meet so many of -my fashionable friends there, that it is very pleasant for me.” - -“_Sans doute_, and which do you prefare?” - -“Saratoga, my lord count. It is the most high-toned, in my opinion. My -friends, the Vernons, of Madison avenue, always go there.” - -“I once did know a Marquis de Vernon in my own country.” - -“A relation of my friends,” said Alphonso, confidently. “How long has -your lordship been in America?” - -“Tree week, zat is all.” - -“Have you been in New York all the time?” - -“No, Monsieur Jones, I did visit Boston and Philadelphia, but New York -is one fine city, ze best of all; it reminds me of Paris.” - -“Paris is a very beautiful city, I have always heard, my lord count.” - -“Oh, _très magnifique_. Zere is no city like it. Have you visited Paris, -Monsieur Alphonse?” - -He is getting intimate, thought Mr. Jones, elated, or he would not call -me by my first name. - -“No, your lordship, I have not had that great pleasure.” - -“When you come,” said the count, affably, “you must come to my chateau -in Normandy, and stay one month.” - -This was beyond Alphonso’s most sanguine hopes. To be invited to visit a -foreign nobleman at his chateau was an unlooked-for honor. - -“You overwhelm me with your kindness, my lord count,” said Alphonso, in -a flutter of delight. “I hope some day to accept your honorable -invitation.” - -“I think you will have zer good time. My sister, the Countess Marie de -Montmorency, will be charmed to see you. She adores Americans.” - -Alphonso was in the seventh heaven of delight. Instantly he pictured the -high-born Countess Marie falling in love with him, marrying him, and -thus giving him a place in the aristocratic circles of France. Perhaps, -in that case, family influence would procure him a title also. It was -the happiest moment of his life. - -“Nothing would delight me more than to make the acquaintance of your -august family, my lord count,” he said, his voice partly tremulous with -joy. “When do you propose to return to _la belle France_?” - -“What, you do speak my language, Monsieur Alphonse?” - -“Only a little, your lordship,” said Mr. Jones, modestly. - -“_Oui, monsieur, un peu._” - -“_Comment vous portez vous, Monsieur Alphonse?_” - -“_Très beaucoup bien_,” answered Alphonso, proudly. - -“What an accent!” exclaimed the count, raising both hands. “You do speak -like one native.” - -“I think I should soon learn it if I were in _la belle France_,” said -Alphonso, much pleased. - -“Gentlemen,” said Mr. Ingalls, “I don’t like to interrupt you, but -permit me to offer you a glass of wine.” - -Glasses were handed to the company. - -“Mr. Jones, will you propose the count’s health?” asked the host. -Alphonso rose, and placed one hand on his heart. - -“Gentlemen,” he commenced, “I feel—ahem! deeply honored, and—and happy -on this auspicious occasion. We are assembled, sir, to do honor to an -illustrious peer of the realm. The noble Count Ernest de Montmorency -honors us with his high-toned presence. We all hope that he may enjoy -his visit, and return in safety to his aristocratic relations, his -honorable mother, and his sister, the noble Countess Marie de -Montmorency. I propose the health of the noble count.” - -The toast was drunk with enthusiasm. - -“Mr. Jones, you are quite an orator,” said Mr. Ingalls. - -“You have ze great talent for speaking Monsieur Alphonse. You should go -to Congress.” - -“My lord count, you flatter me,” said Mr. Jones, deciding that this was, -by all odds, the proudest moment of his life. - -“Not at all, Mr. Jones,” said Mr. Ingalls. “I never heard a neater -speech, did you, Hayward?” - -“Never,” said Hayward. - -So poor Alphonso was fooled to the top of his bent, and when the company -separated, and he retired to his humble apartment, he was visited by the -most ravishing dreams, in which he stood at the altar with the high-born -Countess Marie de Montmorency, clad in sumptuous attire, wearing on his -breast the cross of the Legion of Honor. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIII. - - THE LITTLE FLOWER-GIRL. - - -Gilbert found it very irksome to be without employment; besides, he was -anxious to be vindicated as soon as possible from the malicious charge -which had been made against him. He felt himself fortunate, however, in -one respect; he was subjected to no privations, having his board and -lodging paid by his guardian. Had Mr. Briggs suspected him, he was proud -enough to have left his boarding-place, and relied upon his own -exertions. - -From the force of habit, and partly to fill up his time, Gilbert -continued to go down-town daily. One day he met Mr. Vivian on Broadway, -below the Astor House. - -“Good-morning, Gilbert,” said the merchant, pleasantly. “Are you out on -business?” - -“No, sir,” answered Gilbert. “I am out of business just at present.” - -“I thought you were in the office of a stock-broker.” - -“So I was; but I have lost my place.” - -“Through no fault of your own, I am sure.” - -“No, sir. I should not have lost my place if Mr. Sands had been in the -city. During his absence the book-keeper, who has a dislike to me -because I superseded his cousin, discharged me.” - -“Come up this evening to my house, Gilbert. Then I shall be at leisure, -and you can tell me all the details of the affair.” - -“Thank you, sir.” - -“I am sure he won’t credit the charge against me,” thought Gilbert, and -this thought encouraged him not a little. - -Gilbert continued his walk. As he was passing Trinity church-yard, he -was accosted by a little girl, of perhaps eight years old. “Won’t you -buy some flowers, sir?—only five cents.” - -Gilbert shook his head mechanically. Then he glanced at the little girl, -and his sympathy was aroused. She was poorly dressed, with a fragile -figure, and thin, pale face, which yet only lacked the roundness and -rosy hue of health to be uncommonly pretty. She did not repeat her -request, but she looked sad and depressed. Gilbert paused and spoke to -her. - -“Have you sold many flowers to-day, little girl?” he asked. - -“No, sir; only three bunches,” she replied. - -“Where do you get them?” - -“I sell them for a woman.” - -“How much does she give you for selling them?” - -“Two cents a bunch.” - -“Then you have only made six cents to-day. How long have you been -standing here?” - -“Ever since eight o’clock,” said the little girl, wearily. - -“Don’t you get tired being on your feet so long?” - -“I wouldn’t care for that if the people would only buy my flowers.” - -“You are young to be sent out in this way. Haven’t you got a father to -take care of you?” - -“Papa used to take care of me when he was well, and did not let me come -out; but now he is sick, and we have no money, and I have to leave him,” -said the little girl, sadly. - -“Poor child!” said Gilbert, compassionately. “You are unfortunate. Where -does your father live?” - -“On Pearl Street, in a tenement house,” said the little flower-girl; -“but I am afraid we will be turned out because we cannot pay the rent.” - -“What is your name?” - -“Emma Talbot.” - -“Then, Emma, if you like, I will go around and see your father with you. -Perhaps I can help him, or get some of my friends to help him. Can you -come now?” - -“When I have sold this bunch of flowers, sir.” - -“As it is the last you have got, I will take it; so we needn’t wait.” - -“Oh, thank you, sir,” said the child, brightening up. “If you won’t -mind, I will stop and buy a roll at the baker’s for papa.” - -“Certainly, Emma. I have plenty of time. Wait; take my hand while we -cross the street, you must be careful, or you may be run over.” - -“I wait for the policeman generally,” said the little girl. “I should be -afraid to cross alone.” - -“You are quite right to be careful.” - -The little girl took his hand confidingly, and together they crossed the -City Hall Park. It was a new sensation to Gilbert to have the charge of -a little girl. He had always been thrown among boys, and, never having -had a sister, was very ignorant of girls, and the tastes of girls. For -the first time, as he held Emma’s hand, it occurred to him that he would -like to have a little sister, whom he could pet and protect. - -As he was crossing the Park, he met his successor, John, sauntering -along at a snail’s pace. John had been sent out on an errand, but had -fallen into his old way of loitering and wasting the time which belonged -to his employer. When he caught sight of Gilbert he started in surprise -at his young companion. - -“Hallo, Greyson!” he said, by way of opening a conversation. - -“Good-morning,” said Gilbert, coldly. - -“Is that your sister?” asked John, looking hard at Emma. - -“No,” answered Gilbert, shortly. - -“Ho, ho!” laughed John. “I understand.” - -“I am glad you do.” - -“You’ve got a place as a girl’s nurse. That’s good.” - -“You are very witty,” said Gilbert. - -“How much wages do you get?” continued John. - -“I think I had better not tell you, or you might get up a conspiracy to -deprive me of my position.” - -“What do you mean by that?” asked John, uncomfortably. - -“You know well enough what I mean. You know that you got your present -place by dishonorable means. But I don’t think you’ll keep it long.” - -“You’d better take care what you say,” blustered John. “My cousin may -have you arrested yet.” - -“He is quite at liberty to do so,” answered Gilbert, unterrified. “I -don’t think he will find it prudent though.” - -“Why not?” - -“Because it might come out who really put the money in my coat-pocket.” - -“You did it yourself.” - -“You are mistaken. I have found out who did put it in.” - -“Who?” - -“I don’t think you need any information on that point.” - -“Look here,” said John, angrily, “you’d better not tell any lies to Mr. -Sands when he comes back.” - -“I have no occasion to do so.” - -“You’d better leave the city, or Mr. Sands may have you arrested.” - -“I will risk that.” - -“I guess you can get a place in Philadelphia,” said John. “I’ll get my -cousin to give you a recommendation if you’ll promise to go there.” - -“How can he recommend me after discharging me for theft?” - -“He’ll think this will be a lesson to you. Shall I ask him?” - -“No, thank you. I don’t intend to leave the city at present.” - -“I’m afraid that chap will make trouble for me yet,” muttered John to -himself, as Gilbert walked away with the little girl; “but he can’t -prove anything. I guess me and cousin Simon will be more than a match -for him.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXIV. - - EMMA’S FATHER. - - -Gilbert kept on his way with the little girl. After a short walk, she -paused in front of a miserable tenement house on Pearl Street. - -“This is where we live,” she said; “will you go upstairs, sir?” - -“If you think I shall not be intruding on your father,” said Gilbert, -with instinctive delicacy. - -“He will be glad to see a kind face,” said Emma, simply. - -“Then if you will lead the way, I will follow,” said our hero. - -They clambered up three flights of stairs, and then Emma opened a door -and ushered her companion into a small, barely furnished room. On a -pallet on the floor was stretched a man of fifty, pale and emaciated, -with eyes preternaturally bright; his face was turned towards the wall, -and he did not see Gilbert. - -“Is that you, Emma?” he asked. - -“Yes, papa; how do you feel now?” asked the little girl. - -“Much the same, my child; did you sell your flowers?” - -“Yes, papa, and I have brought you a fresh roll. I have brought some one -with me, too.” - -Mr. Talbot turned his head, and looked at Gilbert, not without surprise. - -“I hope you won’t look upon me as an intruder, sir,” said Gilbert; “your -little girl told me you would not, or I would not have ventured to -call.” - -“I am glad to see you,” said the sick man, “though this is but a poor -place to receive company in.” - -“I understand your situation, sir,” said Gilbert; “you have been sick -and unfortunate.” - -“You are right; I was unfortunate first, and sick afterwards. Emma, will -you give the young gentleman a chair?” - -“Oh, don’t trouble yourself,” said Gilbert, taking a chair for himself. - -Mr. Talbot proceeded: “Five years since, I removed to Chicago, with my -little girl, in the hope that in that growing and prosperous Western -city I might, at least, earn a comfortable living. I was not wholly -without means,—I had about a thousand dollars,—but misfortune pursued -me. I was once burnt out, lost my situation by the failure of the firm -that employed me, and the end of it all was, that a year ago I found -myself bankrupt. Then I decided to come to New York, hoping to succeed -better here. I managed, while I was well, to earn a precarious living by -copying for lawyers (I am a book-keeper by vocation) but, a month since, -I was stricken down by a fever, from which I am only just recovering. -How we have got along I can hardly tell you. When I became sick I had -but a dollar in my pocket-book, yet we have continued to live. My little -Emma,” he continued, looking proudly at the little girl, “has been a -great help to me. She has managed to earn a little, and has attended -upon me by night and by day. I don’t know what I could have done without -her.” - -“I ought to work for you now, papa,” said the child, simply; “all my -life you have been working for me.” - -“She is a perfect little woman, though only ten years old,” said the -father. “Poor child! her life has been far from bright. I hope the -future has some happier days in store for both of us.” - -“Only get well, sir,” said Gilbert, cheerfully, “and the happier days -will begin.” - -“I hope so; but even in health I found it hard to get along.” - -At this moment there was a knock at the door. - -Emma went to the door, and opened it. - -A short, stout, coarse-featured woman entered, and looked about her with -the air of one who had come to engage in battle. - -“Take a seat, Mrs. Flanders,” said the sick man. - -“Much obliged to you, sir,” said the woman, not to be placated by this -politeness; “but I can’t stop. I come on business. I suppose you know -what it is.” - -“I suppose it is the rent,” said Mr. Talbot, uneasily. - -“Yes, it is the rent,” said Mrs. Flanders. “I hope you are ready to pay -it.” - -“How can you expect it, Mrs. Flanders? You know how long I have been -sick and unable to earn anything.” - -“That is not my fault, Mr. Talbot,” said the woman, sharply. “I’m a -widow woman, and have to look out for myself. When I let you this room, -I told you you must pay me prompt, for I had to pay prompt. Have you -forgot that?” - -“No, I have not forgotten it, and I am very sorry that circumstances -have been so against me. Wait patiently, and I will pay you yet.” - -“Wait patiently!” repeated the woman, angrily. “Haven’t I been waiting -patiently for a month? To-morrow I have to pay my rent, and I must be -paid what you owe me.” - -“We have but a few cents in the house,” said Mr. Talbot. “How much have -you got, Emma?” - -“Four cents, papa.” - -“Give them to Mrs. Flanders; it is all we have.” - -“Four cents!” exclaimed the landlady, shrilly; “do you mean to insult -me?” - -“I don’t feel much like insulting anybody,” said Mr. Talbot, wearily. - -“Once more, do you intend to pay me my rent or not?” demanded the -virago. - -“I can’t at present. In time—” - -“Stuff and nonsense!—then out you budge to-day. I can’t afford to keep -you here for nothing.” - -“O Mrs. Flanders,” pleaded Emma, in terror. “It will kill my father to -go out, sick as he is. Let us stay here a little longer.” - -“It won’t do,” said the woman; “I’m not so soft as that comes to. If you -won’t pay the rent, you must budge.” - -Gilbert had listened to this dialogue with mingled pain and indignation. -It was his first practical acquaintance with poverty and the world’s -inhumanity. He could remain silent no longer. - -“How much is your bill, madam?” he asked. - -“Rent for four weeks, at a dollar a week,—four dollars.” - -“I will pay it,” said Gilbert, glad that the amount was not beyond his -resources. - -The little girl impulsively seized his hand and carried it to her lips. - -“Oh, how kind you are!” she said. - -“Are you sure it will not inconvenience you?” asked Mr. Talbot. - -“Oh, no, sir.” - -“Then I will accept the loan with thanks. You are a friend in need.” - -The landlady took the money with avidity, for she had considered the -debt a bad one. - -“Thank you, young man,” she said; adding, in an apologetic tone, “You -may think me hard, but I have to be. I have to live myself.” - -Gilbert listened coldly, for he was disgusted with the woman’s coarse -and brutal manners. - -“And I hope you’ll get well soon, sir,” she said, turning to Mr. Talbot; -but he did not answer her. - -“It is the way of the world,” he remarked, after Mrs. Flanders had gone -out. “Poverty has few friends.” - -“When you are well, sir, I will mention you to a friend who may give you -some work,” said Gilbert. “Meanwhile I will call again in a day or two.” - -“You will always be welcome,” said Mr. Talbot, gratefully. “You have -done me a great service.” - -When Gilbert went out, he realized that his generosity might cause him -inconvenience, for he had but a dollar remaining in his pocket-book, and -was earning nothing. - - - - - CHAPTER XXV. - - GILBERT IN A TIGHT PLACE. - - -Gilbert called upon the Vivians the same evening. He was received with -as much cordiality as on his first visit. - -“Now,” said Mr. Vivian, laying down the evening paper, which he had been -reading at Gilbert’s entrance, “tell me how you came to lose your -place.” - -Gilbert told his story in the fewest possible words. - -“It’s a great shame,” said Fred, indignantly; “I’d like to put a head on -that book-keeper.” - -“I sympathize with you, Fred,” said Laura; “but I think you might have -expressed yourself differently.” - -“Your sister is right, Fred,” said Mr. Vivian; “you must not be too -ready to employ street phrases.” - -“That’s what I mean, any way,” said Fred. - -“Do you think your employer will do you justice when he returns?” asked -Mr. Vivian. - -“Yes, sir. Mr. Sands is an excellent man, and he knows very well that -Mr. Moore is prejudiced against me.” - -“Then you expect to be taken back?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“If anything should occur to prevent, come at once and let me know.” - -“Thank you, sir.” - -Before the evening was over Gilbert managed to introduce the subject of -the little flower-girl whom he had befriended. He gave an account of the -father’s sickness, and the little girl’s devotion. Fred and Laura were -much interested, and asked many questions, which Gilbert answered as -well as he could. - -“You think these people really worthy of assistance, Gilbert?” asked Mr. -Vivian. - -“Yes, sir, I have no doubt of it.” - -“You know there are many impostors, who live by working on the -sympathies of the benevolent?” - -“Yes, sir; but in this case I have no hesitation at all. I am sure Mr. -Talbot and the little girl deserve help.” - -“In that case,” said the merchant, “I am willing to do something for -them.” - -He drew from his pocket a ten-dollar bill and handed it to Gilbert. - -“It may be best,” he suggested, “not to give them this money all at -once, but a dollar or two at a time, in order to insure its careful -use.” - -“Thank you, sir,” said Gilbert, joyfully; “this money will be like a -fortune to them. I will see that your wishes are carried out.” - -“Papa,” said Fred, “may I give Gilbert my five-dollar gold piece for the -little girl and her father?” - -“Not at present, Fred; though I am glad you feel like offering it. When -this money is expended, Gilbert will let us know, and then we will see -what else is to be done.” - -“You are a dear, good boy, to offer the money,” said Laura, giving her -brother an unexpected kiss; “you have got a good heart, though you don’t -always keep your face and hands clean.” - -“A fellow can’t be always washing his face and hands,” said Fred. “You -needn’t kiss me if you are afraid of the dirt.” - -Laura laughed. “I will risk it this time,” she said. - -“Won’t you play me a game of checkers, Gilbert?” asked Fred. - -“What am I to do while you two are playing?” asked Laura. - -“Oh, you can be umpire,” said Fred. - -“I should be sure to decide against you,” said Laura. - -“That’s because you like Gilbert,” said Fred, who was just at the age -when a boy is apt to make disconcerting speeches. - -Laura blushed a little, and so did Gilbert. - -“I think we both like him,” said Laura. - -“I do,” said Fred. - -“Thank you both,” said Gilbert. “I suppose there isn’t such a thing as -three playing a game of checkers. That would bring us all in.” - -“No,” said Laura; “but we can play the Mansion of Happiness, if Fred is -willing.” - -“I don’t mind,” said Fred. “That’s good fun, too.” - -So the game referred to was brought out, and an hour was consumed in -this way. Fred, to his great delight, was the victor each time, and was -disposed to exult over his vanquished opponents. - -“Never mind, Fred; it will be our turn next time,” said Laura. - -At half-past nine Gilbert set out for home. He felt that he had passed a -pleasant evening, and was cheered by the thought that his discharge had -not alienated these true friends from him. - -Two days later he went into the office of Mr. Briggs. He was accustomed -to make a weekly call, when Mr. Briggs would give him money to pay his -week’s board. - -“Is Mr. Briggs in?” he asked, after looking about him in vain for that -gentleman. - -“Mr. Briggs will not be in for a long time,” said the clerk addressed. -“He has gone to Europe.” - -“Gone to Europe!” exclaimed Gilbert, in genuine astonishment. - -“Business of importance called him very suddenly,” said the clerk. - -“How long is he to be gone?” - -“It is uncertain. From two to three months, I should say.” - -“Did he leave any letter or message for me,—Gilbert Greyson?” - -The clerk shook his head. - -“Nothing at all,” he answered. - -Gilbert left the office in great perplexity. How was he to pay the -week’s board now due, he asked himself, with less than a dollar in hand, -and no income? - - - - - CHAPTER XXVI. - - THE COUNT’S SECRET. - - -On the morning after Alphonso Jones had enjoyed his memorable interview -with the Count Ernest de Montmorency, he bore himself in a loftier and -more consciously superior manner than usual. He felt that he was -entitled to a larger measure of consideration, on account of his -intimacy with one of the nobility. - -“The count must have seen something in me, or he would not have invited -me to visit him at his chateau,” reflected Alphonso. - -It was natural that Mr. Jones should wish his friends to be aware of his -social distinction. - -“Good-morning, Mr. Kidder,” he said, in a patronizing manner, to his -fellow-clerk. “How did you enjoy the theatre last evening?” - -“Very well. The play was a good one, and well performed.” - -“I also passed the evening in a very agreeable manner,” remarked -Alphonso, complacently. - -“Where were you?” - -“In Mr. Ingalls’ room.” - -“Oh, yes, I forgot. What company did he have in? Didn’t you say -something of a French count being expected?” - -“The Count Ernest de Montmorency was present,” said Alphonso, dwelling -with unction on the high-sounding syllables. - -“How did you like him?” asked Kidder, who had received a brief note from -Mr. Ingalls, letting him into the secret. - -“I never met a more high-toned gentleman,” said Mr. Jones, -enthusiastically. “His manners were most courtly, and I may add that he -was very affable to me.” - -“Ingalls ought to have invited me,” said Mr. Kidder, affecting to feel -slighted. - -“He will doubtless remember you another time,” said Alphonso; “probably -the count does not like a large company.” - -“I suppose he is just like other men,” said Kidder, by way of drawing -out his fellow-clerk. “If you hadn’t known him to be a count, you -wouldn’t have seen anything particular in him.” - -“I beg to differ with you,” said Alphonso, with an air of superior -information. “_Some_ persons might have thought so; but I claim to be a -judge of men, and I at once saw that he was a high-toned aristocrat.” - -“What did you judge from, now?” asked Kidder, amused. - -“I cannot explain what,—it was that the French call _je ne sais quoi_,” -answered Mr. Jones, who had been studying up some French phrases that -very morning. - -“_Genesee squaw!_” echoed Kidder, purposely misunderstanding him. “What -on earth has a French count to do with a Genesee squaw?” - -“I pity your ignorance, Mr. Kidder,” said Alphonso, mildly. “The words I -used were French, and mean, ‘I don’t know what.’” - -“You don’t know what they mean? Then why do you use them?” - -“You misunderstand me again. _Je ne sais quoi_ means I—do—not—know—what. -Do you see it now?” - -“Oh, that’s it. I didn’t know you were such a French scholar, Mr. -Jones.” - -“I am a poor French scholar,” said Alphonso, modestly; “but I shall try -to make myself familiar with the language before I go to France.” - -“Are you going to France? How long has that been in your mind?” - -“To tell the truth, Mr. Kidder, I never thought seriously of it till -last evening. But since the Count de Montmorency has been kind enough to -invite me to visit him at his chateau, and become acquainted with his -noble family, I feel that it is quite worth my while to prepare myself -to converse with them.” - -“You don’t say so! What a lucky fellow you are! Did the count really -invite you?” - -“He invited me in the most affable and friendly—I may say urgent -manner,” said Alphonso, complacently. - -“Couldn’t you get me an invitation, too?” asked Kidder, in pretended -anxiety. “I’ve been long wanting to go abroad, and I think my father -would consent, if I received such an invitation as that.” - -“I should like to oblige you, Mr. Kidder, but really I couldn’t venture -on such a liberty,” said Alphonso, decidedly; for he feared that his -fellow-clerk, who was better-looking than himself, might interfere with -his matrimonial designs upon the count’s high-born sister. - -“Perhaps the count will invite me himself. I’ll get Ingalls to introduce -me.” - -“Possibly,” said Alphonso, coldly; “but I wouldn’t obtrude myself upon -his lordship.” - -“I don’t see why I shouldn’t be introduced as well as you.” - -Alphonso, who privately considered himself more high-toned than Kidder, -felt that there was good reason, but did not think it policy to pursue -the subject. - -Probably Mr. Jones referred to the Count Ernest de Montmorency at least -thirty times that day, and succeeded in arousing the curiosity and envy -of such of his acquaintances as were not in the secret. He indulged in -many a gorgeous day-dream, in which he figured as the brother-in-law of -the count, with a beautiful chateau of his own, and this continued for -several days. But his dreams were destined to a rude awakening. - -One evening, in passing through Bleeker Street, Mr. Jones strolled into -a barber shop, which he had never before entered. He glanced carelessly -about him, when he made a sudden start, and gasped for breath. There, -behind a barber’s chair, in the act of shaving a red-headed man, was the -elegant Count Ernest de Montmorency! - -The count looked up and met Alphonso’s astonished gaze. - -“Good-evening, M. Alphonse,” he said, with a nod and a smile. - -“Good-evening,” ejaculated Alphonso, with difficulty. - -How could he say “my lord count” to a barber? - -“Are you the—the—gentleman I met at the room of my friend, Mr. Ingalls?” -asked Mr. Jones. - -“The same. I will explain hereafter,” said the count, mysteriously. - -Alphonso succeeded the red-headed man in the chair presided over by the -count. - -“I am incognito,” said the latter, in a low voice. “I have been reduced -to poverty by the rascality of a relative. They don’t know me here in -the shop.” - -“You don’t say so!” ejaculated Mr. Jones, much impressed. - -“They think I am a common man. It would not do to tell them.” - -“Does Mr. Ingalls know?” asked Alphonso. - -“Yes, he knows how I am reduced; but he does not respect me the less. -May I rely upon your secrecy, also?” - -“Certainly, my lord—I mean, sir,” said Mr. Jones, beginning to think it -was all right again. “Do you think you will ever recover your estates?” - -“Don’t speak so loud! Yes, I am almost sure of it. In that case, I shall -expect you to visit me at my chateau.” - -“Thank you. I shall be most happy.” - -“How strange it seems to be shaved by a count!” thought Alphonso. “But I -really wish he wasn’t a barber. Couldn’t he get something else to do?” - -“How is your friend, the Count de Montmorency, Mr. Jones?” asked Mr. -Kidder, the next morning. - -“I believe he is well,” said Alphonso, shortly. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVII. - - HARD UP. - - -A street boy, accustomed to live from hand to mouth, would not have been -disconcerted on finding himself in Gilbert’s circumstances. But this was -our hero’s first experience of debt which he was unable to pay, and it -troubled him. He felt embarrassed at the dinner-table, knowing that he -was eating a meal for which he had not the means of paying; and this -thought not only interfered with his appetite, but made him unusually -silent and reserved. His room-mate noticed this, and spoke of it when -they had gone up to their room together. - -“What made you so quiet, Gilbert?” he asked. “You scarcely uttered a -word at the dinner-table.” - -“The fact is, Mr. Ingalls, I am in trouble,” answered Gilbert. - -“About your loss of place? You told me about that, and that you expected -to get it back when your employer returned.” - -“So I do; but there is another trouble.” - -“Troubles never come singly, they say.” - -“It seems to be true in my case. I am owing for a week’s board, and -don’t know where I shall get the money to pay it.” - -“I thought your guardian paid your board,” said Ingalls, who was -acquainted with the particulars of Gilbert’s history. - -“So he did; but he has sailed for Europe suddenly, without making any -provision for the payment of my money.” - -“How long is he to be gone?” - -“Two or three months, they told me at the office.” - -“That is rather inconvenient. If you were only a few years older, there -would be a remedy.” - -“What remedy?” - -“You could marry Miss Brintnall. Mrs. White told me the other day that -Miss Brintnall has saved up two or three thousand dollars from her -earnings.” - -“That will be convenient for you when she becomes Mrs. Ingalls,” said -Gilbert, with a smile. - -“Do you think I would sacrifice myself for that paltry sum?” demanded -Ingalls, with much indignation. “Ten thousand dollars is the lowest sum -for which I will sacrifice my liberty. I’ll tell you who is most likely -to become Miss Brintnall’s husband, that is, if she consents.” - -“Who?” - -“Alphonso Jones.” - -“What makes you think so?” - -“Alphonso lacks money to back up his gentility. He only gets twelve -dollars a week, Kidder tells me, though he claims to have a thousand -dollars a year. Miss Brintnall’s fortune will be a great inducement to -him.” - -“You forget that he has hopes of an alliance with the sister of the -Count de Montmorency.” - -“I think he had better take Miss Brintnall,” said Mr. Ingalls, dryly. -“Now, to come back to your affairs. Are you quite out of money?” - -“Almost. I gave four dollars to a poor family a day or two since, not -expecting that I was to be left this way. I have about fifty cents in my -pocket-book, and I owe a week’s board.” - -His room-mate reflected a moment. - -“I wish I were richer, for your sake, Gilbert,” he said. “As it is, I -can lend you money enough to pay this week’s board bill. Before another -week comes round, something may turn up.” - -“Thank you,” said Gilbert, gratefully; “but I don’t like to rob you.” - -“You won’t rob me, for I intend to let you repay it when you can. If I -could keep it up till your guardian returns I would do so; but this I -can’t do. I will tell you what I would do in your case.” - -“I wish you would advise me, for I don’t know what to do. I never was in -such a situation before.” - -“It was understood that your guardian would pay your board for the -present, was it not?” - -“Yes. He offered to do it. I never would have asked him.” - -“You say he left no directions at the office in regard to it?” - -“So the chief clerk told me.” - -“It is clear, then, that it escaped his mind in the hurry of an -unexpected departure. Probably he will set the matter right in his first -letter. Wait a minute, though. His wife and son probably accompanied him -to the steamer to see him off.” - -“I suppose so.” - -“Very likely he spoke to them about it. I advise you to call on them and -inquire.” - -Gilbert looked reluctant. - -“It may be as you say,” said he; “but I don’t like to speak to Mrs. -Briggs on the subject. She dislikes me, and so I think does Randolph, -though not so much as his mother.” - -“So you have told me; still I advise you to call, the sooner the better, -in my opinion.” - -“Suppose I get no satisfaction?” - -“In that case you will know what to look forward to. If you are thrown -upon your own resources, you can lay your plans accordingly.” - -“I should like to know the worst, at any rate,” said Gilbert, -thoughtfully. - -“Then take my advice, and call this evening on Mrs. Briggs.” - -“I will,” said Gilbert; “but I would rather have a tooth out.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXVIII. - - AN UNSATISFACTORY CALL. - - -Mr. Ingalls was right in his conjecture. On board the steamer Mr. Briggs -had thought of his young ward, and was rather annoyed that he had not -left directions at the office that he should be paid his regular weekly -stipend. - -“There is one thing which I have forgotten,” he said to his wife. - -“What is it?” she inquired. - -“Gilbert has been in the habit of coming to me every week for his board. -I ought to have left directions at the office with Seymour to pay him in -my place.” - -He forgot that Mrs. Briggs was not aware of this arrangement. She was -not slow in expressing her dissatisfaction. - -“You don’t mean to say that that boy lived on you!” she exclaimed. - -“I pay his board, if that is what you mean by living on me.” - -“That is what it amounts to. Why permit this?” - -“Surely, you don’t expect that Gilbert will pay all his expenses out of -five dollars a week,” said her husband. - -“Why can’t he get along as well as other boys?” - -“Other boys have no friends able to help them. Gilbert’s father was my -friend, and I mean to stand by him.” - -“How much do you allow him for board?” - -“Six dollars a week.” - -“Can’t he get boarded cheaper?” - -“It seems to me that six dollars is very cheap. You remember that I -spent a hundred dollars a week for you and Randolph and myself at -Saratoga one season. That is about thirty-three dollars apiece.” - -“There is no resemblance in the two cases,” said Mrs. Briggs, coldly. -“Gilbert Greyson is only a working-boy.” - -“And I am a working-man.” - -“Don’t talk foolishly, Mr. Briggs,” said his wife, sharply. - -“I have not much time to talk foolishly or otherwise. Will you attend to -this matter of Gilbert’s board?” - -“I will attend to it,” said Mrs. Briggs. - -“Then there will be no need of my writing to the office.” - -“No, there will be no occasion to trouble yourself further in the -matter.” - -On this assurance Mr. Briggs dismissed Gilbert from his mind, and -shortly afterwards bade good-by to his wife and son. - -“I sometimes think your father is actually soft,” said Mrs. Briggs to -Randolph, on the way over the ferry. “What claim has that Greyson boy -upon him, that he should squander six dollars a week upon him? And that -isn’t all, I presume. I have no doubt the boy manages to coax extra -money out of him almost every week.” - -“He won’t get it out of you, mother,” said Randolph. - -“I should say not,” said Mrs. Briggs, very emphatically. “I should feel -that I was robbing you. If your father impoverishes himself by such -ill-timed liberality, you will be the sufferer.” - -“I didn’t think of that,” said Randolph, soberly. - -“I don’t, of course, wish to be mean or parsimonious,” continued Mrs. -Briggs, “but I hold that a man’s first duty is to his own family.” - -“Of course it is,” said Randolph, who felt confident of it now that he -saw the bearing upon his own interests. - -“Will you give Gilbert the six dollars a week?” he inquired. - -“Not unless he asks for it,” said Mrs. Briggs. “If he doesn’t need it -there will be no occasion to offer it.” - -“If he don’t ask for it, will you give it to me?” asked Randolph. - -“You have an allowance of five dollars a week now. It seems to me that -ought to be sufficient.” - -“I can’t save anything from it. If you give me the six dollars beside, -I’ll put some in the savings bank.” - -“I will wait and see whether the boy calls for it.” - -“I hope he won’t.” - -“He probably will. He’ll take all he can get. That is his nature.” - -Mrs. Briggs quite misread Gilbert, as my readers will probably judge; -but she was too prejudiced to judge him fairly. - -Randolph was not as mean as his mother. He had a little of his father’s -nature, though he was more like his mother. The thought that it would -impair his future inheritance did not much affect him, but the prospect -of having his allowance so largely increased took away all consideration -for Gilbert. He cared very little whether our hero was able to pay his -board or not, if only the money might be paid to him. He was very -selfish certainly; but he loved money for what it would buy, and not for -its own sake, as was the case with his mother. Of course he hoped that -Gilbert would not present himself at the house, or make inquiry for the -money; but in this he was destined to be disappointed. - -Sitting at the window on the evening Gilbert had resolved to call, he -saw, not without disappointment, our hero mount the steps and ring the -bell. - -“He’s come, mother,” said he, in a tone of regret. - -“Who has come?” - -“Gilbert Greyson. I suppose he has come for his six dollars.” - -“I suppose he has,” said Mrs. Briggs, with a curl of the lip. “I knew he -wouldn’t keep away long. Now, Randolph, one thing I ask,—don’t say a -word about the matter. I want to make him introduce the subject himself. -I don’t wish to spare him any embarrassment.” - -“All right, mother.” - -Directly the door opened, and Gilbert entered. - -“Good-evening, Mrs. Briggs,” he said, approaching and taking the lady’s -hand. She just touched his hand coldly, and withdrew hers. - -“Good-evening,” she said, briefly. - -“Good-evening, Randolph,” said Gilbert, turning to the younger member of -the party. - -“Good-evening,” said Randolph, less frigidly. “Have you got a place -yet?” - -“Not yet. My employer has not returned from Washington.” - -“Probably it will make very little difference to you how long he stays,” -said Mrs. Briggs, disagreeably. - -“I hope it will make considerable,” returned Gilbert. “I was surprised -to hear that Mr. Briggs had gone to Europe.” - -“He went very suddenly,” said Randolph. “It has put off my birthday -party.” - -“I should like to have seen him before he went,” said Gilbert. - -“He had no time to notify all his acquaintances that he was going,” said -Mrs. Briggs. - -“How long will he be gone?” - -“It is quite uncertain,” said the lady, shortly. “It will depend on his -business, of course.” - -“I wish this visit were well over,” thought Gilbert, but he felt that he -must introduce the matter which led to his call. - -“Did Mr. Briggs leave any message for me?” he inquired. - -“Any message for you?” repeated Mrs. Briggs, arching her eyebrows. “Why -should you expect that he would leave any message for you?” - -“Perhaps you are not aware,” said Gilbert, uncomfortably, “that Mr. -Briggs, while I am at work on small wages, has been in the habit of -paying my board.” - -“Indeed!” said Mrs. Briggs, in apparent surprise. “Why should he do -that?” - -“Out of friendship for my father, he told me,” said Gilbert. - -“I should hardly have supposed that you would request such a thing of -one not related to you.” - -“I didn’t request it,” said Gilbert, coloring. “Mr. Briggs was kind -enough to offer to do it. I accepted, on condition that I might -hereafter repay him what money he should advance.” - -“It is not very likely the money will ever be repaid,” said Mrs. Briggs, -coldly. - -“It will be repaid if I live,” said Gilbert, warmly. - -“I have heard such promises before,” said the lady, contemptuously. -“They are generally made to be broken.” - -“Not in my case,” said Gilbert, flushing. - -“I will not discuss the matter,” said Mrs. Briggs, coldly. “May I ask -why you have introduced this subject?” - -“Mr. Briggs gave me no notice that he intended to withdraw his -assistance, and I accordingly went to the office yesterday, only to -learn that he had gone to Europe, and left no message there. I thought -he might possibly have spoken to you on the subject, and therefore I -called. My board-bill, amounting to six dollars, is due to-night, and -unfortunately I have no funds to meet it.” - -“It must be rather humiliating for you to accept charity,” said Mrs. -Briggs. “I don’t think my son would be willing to do it.” - -“I should say not,” said Randolph. - -“Say nothing more, Mrs. Briggs,” said Gilbert, rising. “If you regard it -in that light, I wish no assistance.” - -“I don’t wish you to suffer,” continued Mrs. Briggs, coldly. “I will -give you money for your board-bill, if you will tell me how much it -amounts to.” - -“Thank you, I won’t trouble you,” said Gilbert. “I shall get along -somehow. Good-evening.” - -“You are impetuous. You will bear in mind that I have not refused you -the money.” - -“I will bear it in mind. Good-evening, madam.” - -“You did it well, mother,” said Randolph, admiringly, as our hero left -the house. “Will you give me the six dollars, now he has refused it?” - -“I will give it to you this week, Randolph; but mind, I make no promises -for the future.” - -“I guess it’s all right,” thought Randolph, pocketing the bills -complacently. “I’ll take care she keeps it up.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXIX. - - GILBERT’S PLANS. - - -Gilbert left the house of Mrs. Briggs, not cast down, but with a full -understanding of his situation. Until now he had had his guardian’s -assistance, and, with the income from his position as office-boy, had -felt no anxiety. Now, both had failed him, for the time at least, and he -must shift for himself. Disaster develops the manhood in a boy as well -as a man. So Gilbert did not indulge in any gloomy anticipations of -starvation or pauperism. He never for a moment regretted his refusal to -take money from Mrs. Briggs, offered as it had been in such a manner as -to insult his self-respect. - -“I’d rather live on one meal a day,” he said to himself stoutly, “than -humble myself to that woman.” - -When he re-entered his room he found his room-mate reading. - -“Well, Gilbert,” he said, “did you have a pleasant call?” - -“So pleasant that I shall not call again in a hurry,” answered Gilbert. - -“Then Mrs. Briggs won’t give you any assistance?” - -“Yes; but I have rejected it.” - -Mr. Ingalls looked surprised. - -“Did you not act unwisely?” he asked. - -“Let me tell you just what passed between us, and you shall judge.” - -The young man listened attentively. When Gilbert had finished his story, -he said, emphatically, “You did just right. I should have done the same -thing in your circumstances.” - -“I am glad you approve of my action. I couldn’t stoop to take money -offered as charity.” - -“Then you have got to strike out for yourself, it seems?” - -“Yes, and I must settle to-night what I shall do.” - -“Have you made up your mind to anything?” - -“I was thinking about that as I walked home. To begin with, I will -borrow money of you to pay Mrs. White, if you are still willing to lend -it.” - -“I will lend it to you with pleasure.” - -“I think I had better leave this house, obtain a cheaper room, and board -at a restaurant.” - -“I don’t think you can save much that way. Mrs. White is very reasonable -in her charges.” - -“I know that, but the probability is that I can’t pay her. I must be -strictly economical. I am not sure but the best thing I can do is to go -to the Newsboys’ Lodge.” - -Mr. Ingalls shook his head. - -“It would never do,” he said. “It would not suit a boy brought up as you -have been.” - -“I don’t suppose it would; but I don’t expect to suit myself. That is -not the question with me. I must do as I can.” - -“Then stay here. If you can’t pay your whole board at the week’s end I -will make up the balance. I should have to pay more, at any rate, if I -occupied the room alone.” - -Gilbert reflected a moment. - -“You are very kind, Mr. Ingalls,” he said, “and I will accept your -offer, on one condition.” - -“What is that?” - -“That you lend me the money, and I will repay it as soon as I am able.” - -“I agree to that.” - -“Then I will stay, for a week or two at least. Now I want to ask your -advice. I must find something to do at once.” - -“I wish there was a vacancy in our establishment.” - -“I only want temporary employment. I expect Mr. Sands will take me back -on his return.” - -“I didn’t think of that. Have you thought of anything?” - -“I am going to try my luck as a newsboy.” - -“As a newsboy! What will your friends, the Vivians, say?” - -“I don’t know, and I can’t afford to care. I must get a living somehow -for the next few days, and I would rather sell papers than black boots. -In the afternoon I shall try to get a little baggage-smashing to do.” - -“I admire your pluck, Gilbert,” said his room-mate. “Not many boys, -brought up as you have been, would be willing to sell papers in the -streets.” - -“I don’t pretend to like it,” said Gilbert; “but I would rather do it -than sponge on others, or take money flung at me as alms. If you object -to rooming with a common newsboy,” he added, smiling, “I suppose I must -look for another boarding-place.” - -“Wait till I give you notice to quit,” said Ingalls. “In the mean time I -will do all I can to encourage you. I will buy a morning paper of you -to-morrow morning. Where shall you stand?” - -“Near the ‘Times’ building, I think. Don’t forget your promise now. If I -have one customer engaged I shall sleep more soundly.” - -“You can rely upon me. Have you got money enough to start yourself in -business? If not, command my purse.” - -“I will borrow fifty cents, to make sure that I have enough. Now, as I -must be up betimes and take an early breakfast, I think I will turn in.” - -“Good-night, then. I will stay up and read awhile longer.” - -“He’s a plucky boy,” thought the young man. “He deserves to succeed, and -I believe he will.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXX. - - GILBERT BECOMES A NEWSBOY. - - -At an early hour the next morning Gilbert took his stand near the office -of the daily “Times.” He attracted immediate attention from the members -of the new profession in which he had enrolled himself without -permission. - -“What are you doin’ here?” asked Jim Noonan, a tall newsboy, with red -hair and freckled face. - -“I am selling papers,” answered Gilbert, quietly. - -“What business have you here anyhow? That’s my place.” - -“I shall not interfere with you.” - -“You’d better not,” said Jim, pugnaciously, under the impression that -Gilbert was apologising. “Just you leave here!” - -Gilbert eyed him quietly. - -“I shall not interfere with you,” he repeated; “nor will I allow you to -interfere with me,” he added, firmly. - -Jim looked at him attentively, and his opinion of him was somewhat -altered. - -“What does a boy with good clothes want selling papers?” he asked. - -“He wants to make a living,” said Gilbert. “Paper, sir?” - -The man addressed purchased a four-cent paper. Gilbert made change in a -business-like manner, and directly afterwards sold another, while Jim -Noonan looked on enviously. - -“I’ve a good mind to bust your head,” he said, angrily. - -“Better go to work and look for customers,” suggested Gilbert, coolly. - -Jim eyed him with angry discontent. He would like to have pitched into -him, but Gilbert was compactly made, and, though smaller than his -fellow-newsboy, looked difficult to handle. Jim had hoped to frighten -him; but his success was not encouraging. - -Gilbert, on the whole, succeeded beyond his anticipations. Probably his -appearance was in his favor, and attracted customers. But this was not -all. He was quick and alert in manner, and kept a good look-out for -trade. - -“How many papers have you sold?” asked Jim, after a while. - -“Fifty,” answered Gilbert. - -“Fifty!” ejaculated Jim; “why, I aint sold but twenty.” - -“You haven’t attended to business as closely as I have.” - -“Ef it hadn’t been for you I’d have sold a good many more.” - -“That isn’t the reason. You would have sold as many as I if you had -tried as hard.” - -“It’s mean, a boy like you comin’ down, and takin’ away a poor boy’s -business.” - -“I shan’t sell papers any longer than I have to. I hope next week to go -into something else.” - -Just then a gentleman inquired for a paper which Gilbert was out of. - -“I think he’s got it,” said Gilbert, pointing to Jim, thereby obtaining -a customer for the latter. - -“We may as well help each other,” said Gilbert. “There’s no use in -quarrelling.” - -“Do you mean that?” asked Jim, doubtfully. - -“Yes, I do.” - -“You aint as mean as I thought you was,” said Jim, his dislike beginning -to evaporate. - -“I hope you’ll stick to that opinion,” said Gilbert, good-humoredly. -“When I go out of this business I’ll recommend my friends to patronize -you.” - -Thus far Gilbert had seen no one whom he knew. That trial was yet to -come. I call it a trial, because Gilbert was quite aware that in -becoming a newsboy he had made a descent in the social scale. He had -taken the step as a matter of necessity, and not because he liked it. He -knew very well how it would be regarded by his acquaintances, and he -rather dreaded the expressions of surprise which it would elicit. - -The first acquaintance to greet him was Alphonso Jones. - -“Good gracious, Greyson!” he exclaimed, “what are you doing here?” - -“Selling papers,” answered Gilbert, flushing a little. - -“I thought you was in a broker’s office.” - -“So I was, and hope to be again; but just now I’m out of a place, so -I’ve gone into business on my own account.” - -“But, good gracious, how can you sell papers?” - -“It’s the only thing that offered, and I must earn my living.” - -“Suppose the Count Ernest de Montmorency should see you,—what would he -say?” - -“I hope he would buy a paper of me,” returned Gilbert, smiling. - -“And your friends, the Vivians,—they would be awfully shocked.” - -“I can’t help it. I must earn a living. Won’t you have a paper, Mr. -Jones? I’ve got all the morning papers—‘Times,’ ‘Tribune,’ ‘Herald,’ -‘Sun.’” - -“I’m afraid I haven’t got any change,” said Alphonso, whose large -expenditure for clothing compelled him to economize on minor matters. -“But, really, now, you aint going to keep the thing up, are you?” - -“Till I get something better,” said Gilbert, firmly. “I hope that will -be soon. I don’t like it myself.” - -“It’s so—so ungentlemanly a business.” - -“I don’t agree with you, Mr. Jones; I think it perfectly respectable.” - -“Oh, yes, of course; but it is not high-toned, you’ll admit that.” - -“Perhaps not,” said Gilbert, with a smile. “I don’t pretend to be a -judge of what is high-toned. I hope you won’t cut my acquaintance, Mr. -Jones, because I am a newsboy.” - -“Oh, no, of course not; but I am afraid your friends, the Vivians, -will.” - -“I hope not,” said Gilbert. - -Alphonso Jones departed, and next in order came John,—Gilbert’s -successor at the broker’s. - -“Oh, my eye!” he exclaimed, in genuine astonishment; “you don’t mean to -say you’ve turned newsboy?” - -“Yes, I have. Will you buy a paper?” - -“Haven’t got a cent. How’s business?” asked John, with a grin. - -“Pretty good.” - -“Hope you’ve got a permanent situation.” - -“I think not. I don’t expect to sell papers more than a week.” - -“What are you going to do then?” - -“Going back into the office.” - -“What office?” - -“Mr. Sands’ office.” - -“Do you think he’d take back a—” - -“Stop there!” said Gilbert, sternly. “You know very well the charge -against me is false. Fortunately I am in a position to prove it.” - -“You are?” asked John, in alarm. - -“Yes.” - -“How can you prove it?” - -“I will let you know when the time comes.” - -John was not disposed to continue the conversation. He walked back to -the office, and told Simon Moore that Gilbert was selling papers in the -square. - -“I am glad his pride is brought low,” said Moore, with satisfaction. - -“But it isn’t,” said John. “He is as proud as ever. He says he is coming -back here.” - -“Let him talk,” said the book-keeper, contemptuously. “That is all it -will amount to.” - -But John did not feel quite certain of this. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXI. - - GILBERT’S SECOND DAY. - - -“How much did you make in your new business, Gilbert?” inquired his -room-mate, Ingalls, with interest, at the close of his first day’s -experience. - -“Seventy-five cents,” answered Gilbert. - -“That is quite fair.” - -“I suppose it is all I could reasonably expect, but it won’t pay my -expenses. At that rate my weekly income will be but four dollars and a -half, while, as you know, my board amounts to six dollars.” - -“I will pay the extra dollar and a half.” - -“You are a true friend, Mr. Ingalls,” said Gilbert, gratefully, “but -that doesn’t dispose of all my difficulties. I shall have no money for -washing, or to purchase clothing.” - -“But you expect to get your place back in a week.” - -“Even if I do, my income will be only five dollars. I never supposed it -was so difficult to make a living before.” - -“Wait and hope, Gilbert,” said his room-mate, cheerfully. “That is what -I had to do when I first came to the city. It was weeks before I got -anything to do at all. I got almost discouraged. Finally, through the -influence of a friend, I got a foothold, and have been able to live -comfortably ever since.” - -“I won’t get discouraged just yet, at any rate,” said Gilbert. “I will -wait and see how things come out. If I am forced to remain in the paper -business, I must find some way of increasing my income. I might combine -a little baggage-smashing with it.” - -“That’s one thing I like about you, Gilbert,” said the young man. “You -have no false shame, but undertake whatever work you find to do.” - -“I am not wholly without pride, Mr. Ingalls; but I can’t afford to -indulge it. I shall get out of this street business as soon as I can.” - -“You are justified in that, certainly. It shows a proper ambition.” - -The next day Gilbert sought his chosen place, and again proceeded to -sell his stock of daily papers, with about the same measure of success. - -At about half-past ten he caught sight of a familiar face. His own face -blushed uncomfortably, for Randolph Briggs was about the last person he -wished to see, under the circumstances. - -Randolph, who was rather near-sighted, did not recognize him till he was -close upon him. Gilbert had a momentary impulse to desert his post, and -thus escape the notice of his unwelcome acquaintance; but this impulse -was succeeded by the more manly resolve to stand his ground. - -“I have nothing to be ashamed of,” he said to himself. “It is Randolph, -or rather his mother, who should be ashamed.” - -He was in the act of selling a “Herald” when Randolph came up. - -“Gilbert Greyson!” exclaimed Randolph, in amazement. - -“Good-morning, Randolph,” said Gilbert, quietly. - -“What are you doing?” - -“Selling papers, as you see.” - -“You don’t mean to say you have become a common newsboy?” - -“I don’t know whether I am a common or uncommon newsboy, but a newsboy I -certainly am, just at present.” - -“What induced you to take up such a business?” - -“The necessity of making a living.” - -“Why didn’t you take the money my mother offered you?” - -“Because she offered it as charity. I don’t accept charity.” - -“It seems to me you are poor and proud.” - -“I certainly am poor, and my pride I hope is a proper one.” - -“I should be too proud to sell papers in the streets,” said Randolph, -emphatically. - -“Perhaps you wouldn’t in my case.” - -“I never expect to be in your case.” - -“I hope you won’t.” - -“You know, of course, you will have to give up your fashionable -acquaintances.” - -“Does that mean you and your mother?” inquired Gilbert, smiling. - -“Yes partly,” answered Randolph, seriously. “Then, there are the -Vivians. You wouldn’t presume to call upon them now?” - -“Why not?” - -“Do you suppose they admit newsboys in the list of their visitors?” - -“I don’t know; but I shall soon find out.” - -“How?” - -“I mean to call there very soon.” - -“I wouldn’t. You wouldn’t be welcome.” - -“How do you know that?” - -“It stands to reason,” argued Randolph. “They stand very high in the -social scale, and a newsboy is very low.” - -“I don’t think the Vivians and you quite agree in some matters. If I -find I am not welcome, you may be sure I won’t repeat the call.” - -“You will see I am right.” - -“I suppose, from what you say, that I shall not be welcome at your -house?” said Gilbert, rather amused. - -“Why, you might call when no one is there. Of course, we couldn’t -introduce you to our friends.” - -“I think the safest way will be not to call at all.” - -“That’s so,” said Randolph, and he walked on. - -“I suppose that is the way of the world,” thought Gilbert. “Well, I -expected it, and so far as Randolph and his mother are concerned I shall -not have much to regret.” - -At half-past twelve he stood with his last paper in his hand. They had -gone off more slowly than the day before, and he doubted whether he -could dispose of the last one. - -“Good-morning, Gilbert,” said a cordial voice. “Are you reading the -paper?” - -“No, Mr. Vivian,” answered our hero; “I am trying to sell it.” - -“What! Have you turned newsboy?” - -“Yes, sir. I could think of nothing else to do, and I must do -something.” - -“Was this necessary?” asked the merchant, in a tone of sympathy. - -“Yes, sir; I have nothing to depend upon, except what I make in this -way.” - -“You can’t make a living, can you?” - -“I am afraid not by this alone,” said Gilbert. - -“Have you had lunch?” - -“No, sir.” - -“Then come with me to the Astor House restaurant. There we will talk -over your affairs, and perhaps I can suggest something that will be more -to your advantage than your present employment.” - -“Thank you, sir; I shall feel very grateful for your advice.” - -They went to the Astor House, which was very near, and seated themselves -at a table. Mr. Vivian ordered a substantial lunch, considerably better -than Gilbert could have afforded on his own account. In fact, he had -decided to content himself with an apple, and make that do till the -six-o’clock dinner at his boarding-house. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXII. - - A NOVEL PROPOSITION. - - -A liberal lunch was ordered, and placed before them. - -“My time is limited,” said Mr. Vivian, “and we will economize it by -discussing lunch and your affairs at the same time. How much do you pay -for board?” - -“Six dollars a week,” answered Gilbert. - -“That is very little,” said the merchant. - -“I room with another person, and thus secure more favorable terms.” - -“Are your meals satisfactory?” - -“The food is plain, but good. I have nothing to complain of. I should -like nothing better than to feel sure that I could continue to pay my -expenses at this rate.” - -“That is well,” said Mr. Vivian, approvingly. “I like your spirit. You -are not disposed to find unnecessary fault. Then you cannot make six -dollars a week by selling papers?” - -“No, sir; at least, I have not done so thus far. Yesterday I made -seventy cents, and to-day about the same sum.” - -“That will never do. It leaves you nothing for washing or clothes.” - -“No, sir. However, I am pretty well provided with clothes. I don’t -expect to require anything in that line for six months.” - -“Probably you couldn’t put off washing for so long,” suggested Mr. -Vivian, with a smile. - -“Hardly,” answered Gilbert. - -“Before you came to the city,” said Mr. Vivian, apparently changing the -subject, “you were studying for college, were you not?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“How far had you proceeded?” - -“By next summer I could easily have been ready to enter Yale College; if -necessary, earlier.” - -“Then you must be a good classical scholar already.” - -“A fair one,” said Gilbert, modestly. - -“Did you ever think of teaching?” - -Gilbert looked surprised. - -“I don’t know who would employ a boy like me,” he said. - -“You would be competent to instruct a beginner in Latin and the common -English studies, I suppose?” - -“I ought to be, sir.” - -“Then I will tell you an idea I have had in mind for a week or more. My -boy Fred is attending a classical school, but his progress is not -satisfactory to me. I don’t think him lacking in capacity, but he does -not apply himself as he ought. It has occurred to me that assistance in -the evening would materially aid him, and promote his standing in -school. Except in Latin I could myself assist him, but after the -business and perplexities of the day I am in no mood to turn teacher. -Now, you are competent, and Fred has taken a fancy to you. Are you -willing to give him five evenings a week?” - -“Nothing would suit me better, sir,” said Gilbert, quickly. “I like -Fred, and would do my best to be of service to him.” - -Mr. Vivian looked pleased. - -“Then,” he said, “I see no reason why we should not try the experiment. -The only thing remaining to be discussed is the compensation.” - -“I leave that to you, sir.” - -“I may take advantage of your confidence,” said the merchant. - -“I don’t feel alarmed,” said Gilbert, smiling. - -“Suppose, then, we say ten dollars a week for five evenings.” - -“Ten dollars!” exclaimed Gilbert, in amazement. - -“If that is not adequate—” - -“Why, Mr. Vivian, my services would never be worth ten dollars a week. -Remember, sir, I am only a boy, and inexperienced as a teacher.” - -“I believe you will do Fred more good than an older and more experienced -teacher. He takes to you, and will work cheerfully with you, while I -don’t think he would with the other.” - -“But ten dollars a week is a large sum for you to pay, Mr. Vivian.” - -“I believe in paying a good price, and requiring good, faithful work, -such as I think you will render.” - -“I will try to render it, at any rate, sir.” - -“Then it is a bargain, is it?” - -“Yes, sir, if you say so. I need not say that it will be a very great -help to me.” - -“I know that, Gilbert; and I am glad to be able to serve you, at the -same time that I serve myself. When I was a boy I was in limited -circumstances. The memory of my own past makes me considerate of others. -Now, when will you begin?” - -“This evening, if you like.” - -“I should like it. We will expect you then. Here is a week’s pay in -advance.” - -Mr. Vivian took from his pocket-book a ten-dollar bill and placed it in -Gilbert’s hands. - -“Under the circumstances,” he said, “you may as well give up selling -papers.” - -“I shall be very glad to give it up, sir, and now I shall feel able to -do so.” - -“I appreciate and respect your motives in doing what you could find to -do, but now you are a teacher,—a classical professor,—and must do -nothing incompatible with the dignity of your learned profession.” - -“I will try to remember it, sir.” - -“I must leave you now. Let us see you this evening.” - -“I will be sure to come, sir.” - -When Gilbert left the hotel, he felt elated at his unexpected good -fortune. - -“I believe the tide has turned,” he said to himself. “I little dreamed -that my Latin would prove such a friend in need. I can’t expect to earn -the liberal sum Mr. Vivian has agreed to pay me, but I will do my duty -as faithfully and well as I can.” - -Just after dinner that evening Alphonso Jones strolled into Gilbert’s -room. - -“How is the newspaper business?” he inquired. - -“Pretty fair,” answered Gilbert. - -“I think we ought to patronize Mr. Greyson, eh, Mr. Ingalls?” - -“Thank you, Mr. Jones, but I have retired from the business.” - -“You don’t say! Why, you told me it was fair.” - -“I shall retire nevertheless.” - -“Have you found another place?” - -“I have obtained another position.” - -“You have! What is it?” - -“Professor of the Classics and English Literature.” - -“You’re joking,” remarked Alphonso, rather bewildered. - -“No, I am not. I have been engaged to teach five evenings in the week.” - -“I didn’t know you were such a scholar,” said Mr. Jones, surprised. “Do -they pay you much?” - -“Two dollars an evening.” - -“Good gracious! That is splendid pay.” - -“Yes, it is very good pay.” - -“Where are you to teach?” - -“Mr. Vivian’s son.” - -“He don’t know that you have been a newsboy, does he?” - -“Yes, he does; he saw me selling papers in the street to-day.” - -“Well, Greyson, all I can say is, you are the luckiest boy I ever knew. -I wish I could earn two dollars an evening.” - -“I’ll try to get you a chance,” said Gilbert, demurely. “What can you -teach?” - -“Well, I aint very fresh in my studies,” said Alphonso. “I guess it -wouldn’t be of any use. Aint you going to work in the daytime?” - -“I shall get back into the broker’s office if I can.” - -“Then you will have quite an income for a boy, Gilbert,” said Mr. -Ingalls. - -“Don’t you think you could take me up and introduce me to the Vivians -some evening?” insinuated Alphonso. - -“I don’t think I could, Mr. Jones.” - -“Oh! it’s of no consequence,” said Alphonso, with apparent indifference. -“I have any quantity of high-toned friends who move in the first -circles. Some of them know the Vivians, and that’s why I wanted to be -introduced.” - -“I wonder if that fellow expects to be believed,” said Mr. Ingalls, -after Alphonso had retired. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXIII. - - THE NEW PROFESSOR. - - -Fred Vivian had not been informed of the plan which his father had in -view for him. Mr. Vivian, however, felt confident that it would be -agreeable to his son, and did not wish to speak of it until he had -ascertained Gilbert’s willingness. - -At dinner, after the interview described in the last chapter, Mr. Vivian -for the first time mentioned the matter. - -“What lessons have you to-night, Fred?” he asked. - -“I have my Latin, and some hard sums in Reduction.” - -“How are you getting on in Latin?” - -“I wish you would let me give it up, father,” said Fred, earnestly. “I -believe it was only got up to trouble school-boys.” - -“I suppose,” said his father, smiling, “you think Cæsar, Virgil, and -Cicero only wrote with the same purpose.” - -“Confound them! Why couldn’t they write in English?” said Fred, -petulantly. - -All at the table laughed, and finally Fred himself joined in. - -“I suspect the Roman boys would have found as much trouble with English -as you find with Latin,” said Mr. Vivian. “As a fact, there was no such -language in existence then as our modern English tongue.” - -“I wish Latin were as easy as English,” said Fred. - -“No doubt it is. Foreigners find our language very difficult.” - -“Difficult! I don’t see what there is difficult about it.” - -“Because it is your native language. Roman boys would have been equally -surprised at any one finding Latin difficult.” - -“I wish I was a Roman boy, then. Laura, will you help me about my sums?” - -“I have got my own lessons to prepare, Fred.” - -“Will you help me, father?” - -“I like to have my evenings to myself, Fred. However, don’t look -disappointed. You shall have help.” - -“Who will help me? Laura says she can’t.” - -“I have engaged a professor to come here every evening, and assist you -about your lessons.” - -“A professor!” exclaimed Fred, uneasily. “That will be as bad as being -at an evening school. I would rather get along by myself.” - -“Just now you wanted help,” said his father. - -“I don’t want a professor. He will make me work too hard.” - -“I think you will like him,” said Mr. Vivian. - -“When is he coming?” - -“This evening. He will be here about eight o’clock.” - -“Isn’t this a new plan?” asked Mrs. Vivian. - -“Don’t you approve of it, my dear?” asked her husband. - -“I thought his presence might be a restraint upon us, unless, indeed, -Fred goes upstairs with him.” - -“No, let me stay here,” urged Fred. “I don’t want to go off with that -old man.” - -“How do you know he is an old man?” inquired his father, smiling. - -“I suppose he is.” - -“He can’t be considered so. In fact, he is rather young.” - -“It’s all the same,” said Fred, discontentedly. “I suppose he is as -stiff as a poker.” - -“He did not impress me so. With his help you will get through your -lessons quickly; and then you can have the rest of the evening to -yourself.” - -“What is his name?” asked Laura. - -“I will see if I can find his card,” said Mr. Vivian, pretending to -search his pockets in vain. “Never mind, I will ask him when he comes.” - -“You did not tell me you thought of making this arrangement for Fred,” -said Mrs. Vivian. - -“I see,” said her husband, smiling, “that you are a little in doubt as -to its expediency. If at the end of a week it appears unsatisfactory I -will dismiss the professor.” - -Fred was relieved by this promise. He had already formed in his own mind -an image of the expected teacher,—a tall, thin man, in a rusty-black -suit, wearing a pair of iron-bowed spectacles. He had seen the tutor of -a schoolmate of his who answered this description, and hastily adopted -the conclusion that most visiting tutors were like him. - -At ten minutes of eight Gilbert Greyson was announced. - -“O Gilbert, I’m so glad to see you,” said Fred; “though I’m afraid I -can’t be with you much this evening.” - -“Why not?” asked Gilbert. - -“Father has engaged a professor to assist me in my studies; when you -came in I thought at first it was he.” - -Gilbert read the joke in Mr. Vivian’s smiling face, and determined to -keep it up. - -“What sort of a teacher is he?” he asked. - -“I don’t know. I suppose he’s an old fogy in spectacles.” - -“Don’t you think you shall like him?” - -“Father says if I don’t he’ll send him off at the end of the week.” - -Again Gilbert smiled, and Mr. Vivian laughed outright. - -“I don’t see what you two are laughing about,” said Fred. - -“It’s a good joke, Gilbert, isn’t it?” said the merchant. - -“Yes, sir.” - -“I don’t see any joke,” said Fred. - -“Nor I,” said Laura. - -“Perhaps the professor may be willing to help you, if you require it, -Laura,” suggested her father. - -“If he is such a man as Fred expects,” said Laura, “I would rather get -along by myself.” - -“It is hardly fair to take a prejudice against a person before you see -him, Laura.” - -“I won’t.” - -“For my own part, I was favorably impressed by what I saw of him.” - -“What does he look like? Is he tall?” - -“No.” - -“Is he old?” - -“No; quite young.” - -“Has he whiskers?” - -“I didn’t see any.” - -“Is he good-looking?” - -“That is rather a delicate question, eh, Gilbert?” - -“Yes, sir. I will answer it for you. He is not.” - -“What—do you know him, Gilbert?” asked Fred. - -“He ought to,” said Mr. Vivian. “He has seen him in his looking-glass -every morning for sixteen years. There, the secret is out Fred, let me -formally introduce you to Professor Gilbert,—the teacher I have engaged -for you.” - -“Are you really to be my teacher, Gilbert?” asked Fred, delighted. - -“If you conclude to keep me,” said our hero, “you may decide to send me -adrift at the end of the week.” - -[Illustration: GILBERT IN A NEW ROLE.] - -“I said that when I thought it was somebody else,” said Fred. “Do you -think you can show me how to do sums in Reduction?” - -“I think I can,” said Gilbert, smiling. - -“I will get you to help me in Interest, Gilbert,” said Laura. - -“I thought you didn’t want any help from your brother’s teacher,” said -Mr. Vivian. - -“I didn’t know who it was to be then, papa. I’m glad you have engaged -Gilbert.” - -“There is one more objection to you, Gilbert,” said Mr. Vivian, -seriously; “my wife thinks your presence may be a restraint upon us. She -thinks you had better retire with Fred to some other part of the house.” - -“You have got the joke upon me too,” said Mrs. Vivian. “I, too, was -quite in the dark as to whom you had engaged. We don’t look upon Gilbert -in the light of a stranger, but rather as one of the family.” - -“Thank you, Mrs. Vivian,” said our hero, gratefully. - -“Then it appears, Gilbert, that you will be allowed to practise your -vocation here. I would suggest that a pair of spectacles would make your -appearance more impressive and dignified.” - -“I like you best as you are, Gilbert,” said Fred, putting his arm around -the neck of his new tutor. - -“And I too,” said Laura. - -“Then I won’t go to the expense of spectacles,” said Gilbert. “Shall we -begin now, Fred?” - -Fred brought his arithmetic and slate, and Gilbert explained the sums in -a familiar manner, making Fred do them himself. - -“I understand them first-rate now,” said Fred, in a tone of -satisfaction. “You’re a bully teacher, Gilbert.” - -“Now, shall we take the Latin?” asked Gilbert. “I’ll try to be a _bully_ -teacher in that also.” - -By nine o’clock Fred’s task was completed, and Gilbert transferred his -attention to Laura. Fifteen minutes were all she required. The evening -work being over, Gilbert played at games with his two pupils till ten, -then rose to go. - -“I’m so glad you’re my teacher,” said Fred. “Be sure to come to-morrow -night.” - -“I am afraid you will get tired of me after a while, and want to -discharge me,” said Gilbert, smiling. - -“Will you promise to stay with us till you are discharged?” - -“Yes, Fred.” - -“Then it’s all right,” said Fred, in a tone of satisfaction. - -Mr. Vivian found that he had done a very popular thing in engaging -Gilbert, and was, in consequence, pleased himself. - -“Well, Gilbert,” said his room-mate, on his return, “how did your first -lesson come off?” - -“With flattering success. I never earned money more pleasantly in my -life. My old teacher would stare if he should learn that I had set -myself up as a classical professor.” - -“Your fortune has changed wonderfully. From a newsboy to professor is -rather a startling transformation.” - -“My career as a newsboy is ended. I abandon the field to my competitors, -and devote myself to the dissemination of learning.” - -“Alphonso Jones thinks you are a very remarkable young man. He told me -so to-night.” - -“I can return the compliment,” said Gilbert, laughing. “If you can -change a ten-dollar bill, Mr. Ingalls, I will pay you the six dollars -advanced for my board.” - -“You needn’t be in a hurry, Gilbert.” - -“I don’t like to be in debt. I can sleep better when I have paid up the -loan.” - -“I shall be glad to lend you again if you need it.” - -“Thank you, Mr. Ingalls; but I hope I shan’t need it.” - -Early the next morning Mr. Sands reached New York, having come through -by night from Washington. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXIV. - - THE BROKER’S RETURN. - - -About ten o’clock, on the morning of his arrival, Mr. Sands entered his -office. He had kept the run of the business through letters from Mr. -Moore, the book-keeper; but the latter had omitted to mention Gilbert’s -dismissal, and the reinstatement of John as his successor. - -Mr. Sands was therefore surprised to see John in the office, with his -hat off. - -“Where is Gilbert?” he asked, abruptly. - -John looked confused. - -“He’ll tell you,” he said, pointing to his cousin. - -“Have you dismissed Gilbert, Mr. Moore?” demanded Mr. Sands, abruptly. - -Moore, in spite of his bravado, was a little nervous. He was -apprehensive that he would not be able to convince Mr. Sands of -Gilbert’s guilt. - -“I was obliged to discharge him, I am sorry to say,” he answered. - -“Why did you discharge him, may I inquire?” persisted the broker. - -Simon Moore, himself of a haughty disposition, flushed at the imperative -tone which his employer used. It chafed him especially to be so -addressed in the presence of his young cousin. - -“I don’t suppose you wish to have a thief in your employ,” he answered, -hastily. - -“Do you charge Gilbert Greyson with being a thief?” - -“I do, sir.” - -“Let me know the particulars.” - -Simon Moore rehearsed the story, already familiar to the reader, of the -ten-dollar bill found in the pocket of Gilbert’s overcoat. - -“Did he admit his guilt?” asked the broker. - -“Oh, no, he brazened it out; but the proofs were overwhelming.” - -“Who found the bill in Gilbert’s pocket?” - -“John.” - -“Oh!” ejaculated the broker, significantly. - -Simon Moore’s face flushed again. - -“Let me explain,” he said. - -“By all means; that is what I want.” - -“Only John, who had come in to make a call on me, and Gilbert had been -here. One or the other must have been the thief. I therefore asked -Gilbert to search John, and John to search Gilbert. It seemed to me -fair. The result showed who was the thief.” - -“Upon this, you discharged Gilbert, and engaged John.” - -“Yes, sir. I needed a boy, and did not dare to employ Gilbert lest there -should be further and more serious losses. John being present, and -understanding the duties, I engaged him.” - -“John is your cousin, is he not, Mr. Moore?” asked Mr. Sands, quietly. - -“Yes, sir,” said the book-keeper, looking slightly embarrassed. - -“It was very fortunate for him that he happened to be at the office on -that particular morning.” - -Here John thought it time to introduce himself into the conversation. - -“That’s what Cousin Simon told me,” he said. - -“If John had not been here, I should have been obliged to advertise for -a boy,” said the book-keeper, recovering his confidence. - -“Have you seen Gilbert since?” inquired Mr. Sands. - -“I have,” said John, grinning. - -“Where did you see him? Do you know if he has another situation?” - -“Oh, yes,” said John, chuckling; “he’s set up on his own account.” - -“What do you mean?” - -“T’other morning I saw him selling papers near the City Hall Park.” - -“Humph!” - -Mr. Sands said no more, but set about examining the books. Presently he -put on his hat and went out. - -“What do you think he’s going to do, Cousin Simon?” asked John, -anxiously. - -“I guess the storm’s blown over.” - -“He didn’t seem to like it that I was here.” - -“He don’t have a very high opinion of you; and I don’t blame him,” said -the book-keeper, unable to restrain his sarcasm, although John was his -cousin. - -“Seems to me you’re pretty hard on me,” said John, aggrieved. “Do you -think he’ll let me stay?” - -“I think he will, if you do your duty.” - -“Oh, I’ll do that fast enough,” said John, looking relieved. - -“I advise you not to let Mr. Sands see you with a cigarette in your -mouth.” - -“Who told you I smoked cigarettes? It’s a—” - -“You’d better not finish the sentence. I saw you last evening on the -street with one in your mouth.” - -“I guess I’ll have to be more careful,” said John to himself. “Who’d -have thought he’d find out?” - -“I was just trying it to see how it seemed,” he explained. - -“Well, you know now, and you’d better give them up,” said Simon Moore. -“Now, go to the post-office for the mail.” - -On his way home, in the afternoon, Mr. Sands was looking about for a -seat in the crowded car, when a boy addressed him. - -“Take my seat, Mr. Sands.” - -“Gilbert!” exclaimed the broker, cordially, extending his hand. “I have -been hoping to meet you.” - -“When did you get home from Washington, sir?” - -“This morning early. I was surprised not to find you in your accustomed -place in my office.” - -“I suppose Mr. Moore explained my absence?” said Gilbert. - -“Yes; but I should prefer to hear your explanation. I should have more -faith in its truth.” - -“Thank you, sir,” said Gilbert, gratefully. - -“It is hardly a matter to talk about in public. Have you any engagement -this afternoon?” - -“No, sir.” - -“Then come around to my house, and take dinner.” - -“What will Mr. Moore say?” asked Gilbert smiling. - -“We will see to-morrow. Will you come?” - -“With great pleasure, Mr. Sands.” - -Mr. Sands lived in a pleasant house up-town. He had a wife but no -children. His wife greeted Gilbert pleasantly. - -“I have heard my husband speak of you,” she said. - -Before dinner Gilbert got a chance to explain matters to Mr. Sands. - -“I believe you,” said the broker, emphatically. - -“Don’t rely too much upon my word, sir,” said Gilbert. “I want you to be -thoroughly convinced of my innocence.” - -“I am.” - -“Still, sir, I should like to bring a street boy—a boot-black—to confirm -my story. He saw John put the bill into my overcoat pocket, when I was -out on an errand.” - -“That is important testimony. I trust your word implicitly; but it may -be as well to bring him round to the office, in order to confound those -who have got up this wicked plot against you.” - -“He is only a boot-black,” said Gilbert; “but I think he is -trustworthy.” - -“I have reasons with which you are not acquainted for believing him and -you,” said the broker. - -Gilbert looked curious, and Mr. Sands explained. - -“I was present in an oyster-saloon, one evening before I started for -Washington, and overheard Mr. Moore and John expressing their intentions -to get you into trouble during my absence. This was the reason why I -warned you against the book-keeper.” - -“I remember it, sir; but I did not know your reasons.” - -“Now, tell me how you have got along, being suddenly deprived of your -income. John told me he saw you selling papers near City Hall Park one -day.” - -“It is true, sir. I could make something that way, and so I tried it.” - -“I respect you the more for it. Have you kept up this employment till -now?” - -“No, sir. Mr. Vivian has engaged me as tutor for his son, at a salary of -ten dollars per week.” - -“Is it possible? That is remarkable, considering your youth.” - -“It was to help me, sir, I have no doubt.” - -“You must be a good scholar.” - -“Not necessarily; Fred is only just beginning Latin, and it does not -require much learning to teach him.” - -“If your time is so profitably occupied, I suppose I can’t induce you to -come back into my office.” - -“I should be very glad to do so, sir. I only give my evenings to Fred -Vivian.” - -“Then you may come back to-morrow, at a salary of seven dollars a week.” - -“You are very kind, sir. I fear I shall not earn so much.” - -“That is my lookout. Come to-morrow, at quarter-past nine. If I am not -there, say nothing to Mr. Moore about resuming your situation.” - -“All right, sir.” - -After dinner Gilbert went to Mr. Vivian’s, to meet his pupil. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXV. - - GILBERT’S TRIUMPH. - - -Shortly after the office opened on the following day, Simon Moore and -John were disagreeably surprised by the entrance of Gilbert. He had -found his witness, Tom, the boot-black, and requested him to remain -outside, within call. - -“What do you want here?” demanded the book-keeper, frowning. - -“Has Mr. Sands returned?” asked our hero. - -“No, he hasn’t,” replied Moore, with unblushing falsehood. - -“I think you must be mistaken,” said Gilbert, composedly; “for I saw him -getting on a street-car yesterday.” - -“Then if you knew he was at home, why did you ask me?” - -Gilbert did not think it necessary to answer this question. - -“I will stop and speak to him,” he said. - -“No, you won’t,” said Simon Moore, roughly. “I know what you want. You -want to make him believe you are innocent.” - -“You are right, Mr. Moore. I do wish to convince him of my innocence.” - -“I guess you’ve got cheek,” put in John. “Didn’t I find the money that -was lost, in your overcoat pocket?” - -“Yes.” - -“That’s enough, I should say,” said the book-keeper, dexterously -availing himself of this admission. “You are a witness, John, that he -has confessed the theft.” - -“If you twist what I say in that way,” said Gilbert, indignantly, “there -is no use in my saying anything.” - -“That is true enough. There is no use in your saying anything. Now, I’ve -got something more to say. You’ve no business in this office; and the -sooner you clear out the better.” - -“Yes, the sooner you clear out the better,” chimed in John. “You’ve come -here to get away my place; but you’d better give up trying. Mr. Sands is -not such a fool as to believe you.” - -“Are you going?” demanded the book-keeper, menacingly. “John, put him -out.” - -John advanced cautiously towards our hero, who smiled unterrified. - -“Come, go out!—do you hear?” he said. - -“I won’t put you to the trouble of putting me out,” said Gilbert, -good-naturedly. “I’ll step out for the present.” - -“And go away from here,—do you hear? Don’t you hang around the office.” - -Gilbert, however, did not see fit to obey this last order. He waited in -the neighborhood for Mr. Sands to arrive. - -“He means to make trouble, Cousin Simon,” said John, uneasily. - -“He would like to, no doubt,” responded the book-keeper; “but it would -be very strange if Mr. Sands believed him against us.” - -“Well, I hope it’ll all turn out right,” said John; “but he’s got a lot -of cheek—that boy has. I wish you’d had him locked up.” - -“It might have been the best plan; but I think we can carry things -through. Don’t you put in your oar, or you may spoil the whole thing. -Leave it to me.” - -“All right, Cousin Simon.” - -At the corner of Wall and New Streets Gilbert met Mr. Sands, who had -come down-town, in a Broadway stage. - -“I see you are on hand,” said the broker. “Have you been to the office?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“What sort of a reception did you get from Mr. Moore?” - -“He ordered me out.” - -The broker smiled. - -“Perhaps it may be my turn to order out,” he said. “Come back with me.” - -“Thank you, sir.” - -Simon Moore was not over-pleased when he saw Gilbert entering the office -with his employer, but he said nothing. He waited to see how the land -lay. - -“Mr. Moore,” said the broker, “I met Gilbert outside, and have brought -him in to talk over the charge which you bring against him.” - -“He has been here already,” said Moore, coldly, “and I ordered him out.” - -“It appears to me that this is rather summary treatment.” - -“I think I have treated him very indulgently. I might have had him -arrested for theft, but I didn’t want to be too hard upon him.” - -“You seem to take it for granted that he is guilty.” - -“He _must_ be. He will himself admit that the missing bill was found in -his overcoat pocket; ask him, if you like, sir.” - -Mr. Sands turned to Gilbert. - -“It is true,” he said. - -“That is all that need be said,” said the book-keeper, shrugging his -shoulders. - -“It does not necessarily follow that he put the bill in himself,” -remarked Mr. Sands. - -“Who else could have done it?” demanded Moore, triumphantly. - -“I will answer that question,” said Gilbert. “John put the money in my -pocket, in order to get me into a scrape.” - -“Do you hear that, Cousin Simon?” exclaimed John, with virtuous -indignation. “I didn’t think Gilbert could be so wicked as to say such -things.” - -“I expected it,” said Moore, regarding Gilbert maliciously. “A boy that -will steal will lie also. Of course he only says it to screen himself.” - -Gilbert listened to this outbreak very composedly. He knew that his -employer was on his side, and did not think it necessary to contradict -it. - -“Have you any proof of your statement, Gilbert?” asked Mr. Sands. - -“Of course he hasn’t,” said Moore, contemptuously. “It rests upon his -word; and that is worth nothing. Ask him if he saw John put the money in -his pocket.” - -“No, I did not,” answered Gilbert, without waiting for Mr. Sands to put -the question. - -“I thought not,” said Moore, triumphantly. “You only suspected it.” - -“Somebody saw it done,” said Gilbert. “Shall I call him?” - -The question was addressed to Mr. Sands, who nodded his head. - -Gilbert went to the door, and called Tom. - -Tom, the boot-black, shuffled in, with his box strapped to his back. - -“Tom,” said Gilbert, “did you, one day, see John—that boy there—putting -a bill in my coat-pocket?” - -“Yes,” answered Tom, “shure I did; but I thought it was his own, and it -was no harm, till you told me how you’d lost your place.” - -Mr. Sands put two or three questions, which Tom answered in a -straightforward manner. Then he turned to the book-keeper. - -“What do you say to this, Mr. Moore?” he asked. - -“I say that it is all a lie,” returned the book-keeper, angrily. “How -much are you paid for lying?” he demanded, sharply, of the boot-black. - -“Not a cent,” said Tom, indignantly; “and it isn’t a lie either, you -spalpeen! You knew all about it, too. I saw you lookin’ at him when he -did it.” - -“I’d like to thrash you, within an inch of your life, you impudent young -blackguard!” said Simon Moore, furiously. - -“You’d better not try it,” said Tom, boldly. - -“I hope, Mr. Sands,” said Moore, turning to the broker, “that you are -not going to believe this young ragamuffin against me. It is a pretty -state of things, if my word is to be disputed by such as he.” - -“Mr. Moore,” said the broker, gravely, “I regret to say that, in this -instance, I am forced to believe him rather than you. Wait a -moment,”—seeing that Moore was going to interrupt him,—“it is only fair -that I should give you my reason. Possibly you will remember one evening -when, at an oyster-saloon, you and John concerted this very plot against -Gilbert. I was in the next stall, and overheard all you both said. I was -not, therefore, surprised to learn, upon my return, under what -circumstances Gilbert had been discharged.” - -Simon Moore and John looked at each other in silent dismay. Both -remembered well the conversation alluded to. - -“If I am the object of such suspicion,” blustered Moore, at length, “I -don’t think I had better remain in your employ.” - -“I approve your decision,” said the broker, gravely. - -“I will leave at once, if you say so.” - -Just then a young man entered the office. - -“You are at liberty to do so,” said Mr. Sands. “I have already engaged -this gentleman as your successor.” - -“I guess I’ll go, too,” said John. - -“You may. Gilbert, you will resume your old place.” - -It would be difficult to paint the anger and mortification upon the -faces of the two cousins as they left the office. - -“This comes from trying to help you, you young loafer,” said Moore, -savagely, turning upon John. “But for you I should have kept my place.” - -“I’m sure I aint to blame,” said John, whining. - -“You are wholly to blame. I shall thrash you some day.” - -John thought this rather hard, since the plot was of his cousin’s -contriving. I may remark here that months passed before Simon Moore -obtained another situation. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXVI. - - MR. BRIGGS RETURNS FROM EUROPE. - - -So Gilbert was reinstated in his old position, at an advanced salary. -His income was now seventeen dollars a week,—an amount which enabled him -to live very comfortably, and even to lay aside a few dollars every -week. Of course, this required the exercise of economy; but Gilbert felt -it to be his duty to be prudent, and prepare for a time when his income -might be less. - -He found the new book-keeper a very different man from Mr. Moore. He was -quite as efficient, and far more agreeable. From the first he regarded -Gilbert with friendly interest, and treated him as a friend. - -For some time Gilbert had seen nothing of Randolph Briggs. The latter -occasionally condescended to wonder how that beggar Greyson was getting -along, but did not feel any very deep anxiety on his account. One day, -however, Randolph ventured down-town, and had the curiosity to enter Mr. -Sands’ office. - -The book-keeper chanced to be out, and Gilbert was in charge. - -Randolph stared in astonishment at our hero. - -“How do you happen to be here?” he asked, abruptly. - -“Why shouldn’t I be here?” returned Gilbert, pleasantly. “This is my -place of business.” - -“But, I say, I thought you were sent off.” - -“So I was.” - -“How did you get back?” - -“Mr. Sands took me back, and discharged the book-keeper.” - -“Whew!” exclaimed Randolph. “He must think a good deal of you.” - -“He believed the charge to be false, and that it was a conspiracy -against me.” - -Randolph did not know what to think. He had predicted that Gilbert would -never get back; and it is not pleasant to be mistaken in one’s -predictions. - -“Do you board at the same place?” he asked, after a while. - -“Yes.” - -“Don’t you find it hard to pay your board?” - -Gilbert smiled. The question was an impertinent one; but he felt amused -rather than offended. - -“I have paid regularly so far,” he said. - -“How did you do when you were out of a place?” - -“I lived on my salary as teacher.” - -Randolph opened wide his eyes in astonishment. - -“What do you mean?” he asked. - -“I teach in the evening,” explained our hero. - -“You don’t say so! Why, you are only a boy!” - -“But I know enough to teach a younger boy.” - -“Who are you teaching?” - -“Fred Vivian.” - -“What, Laura’s brother?” - -“The same.” - -“He don’t come to your room, does he?” - -“No, I go there five evenings in the week.” - -“Do you get much pay?” - -“I don’t think you can expect me to answer that question, Randolph.” - -“Why, aint you willing to tell?” - -“I’ll tell you so much,—that Mr. Vivian pays me more than Mr. Sands.” - -Randolph was silent for a moment. This news was worse than the other. He -had an admiration for Laura, and it was very disagreeable to think that -while he was not on visiting terms at her house, this boy, so much his -social inferior, should be freely admitted to Laura’s presence. Perhaps, -however, he only saw Fred. - -“Does Laura come into the room when you teach her brother?” he asked. - -“Certainly. In fact, I help her a little too.” - -“It’s the strangest thing I ever heard of,” muttered Randolph. - -“What is?” - -“That Mr. Vivian should take a poor office-boy to teach his children.” - -“It is strange, but true,” assented Gilbert, smiling. - -“I didn’t think you were so artful.” - -“What do you mean?” - -“If you hadn’t been artful, you wouldn’t have got so thick with the -Vivians.” - -“I don’t want to get angry with you, Randolph, but I don’t like that -remark. Suppose we change the subject. What do you hear from your -father?” - -“He was in Manchester when we last heard from him.” - -“When do you expect him home?” - -“In a month or six weeks.” - -“You must be glad to have him return.” - -“Oh, I don’t know,” said Randolph. “I’m having a pretty good time.” - -“He don’t seem to have overmuch affection for his father,” thought -Gilbert. And Gilbert was right. Randolph was very selfish; and his chief -regard was for himself. Even his mother, who idolized him, received but -a scant return. One reason why Randolph would be sorry to have his -father return was, that he was now receiving, from his mother, the six -dollars a week which properly should have gone for Gilbert’s board; and -of this he would doubtlessly be deprived when Mr. Briggs came back. - -“Well, I guess I can’t stay any longer,” said Randolph, looking at his -watch. “You haven’t been up to the house lately.” - -“No; my evenings are engaged, you know.” - -“You’d better come up and dine soon.” - -Gilbert was rather surprised at this invitation; but Randolph’s motive -was soon apparent. - -“If you will, I will go round to the Vivians afterwards with you.” - -“Perhaps,” suggested Gilbert, “when I want to be away for an evening, -you will go in my place.” - -“No, I guess not. I don’t think I should like to teach. I’d rather go -with you.” - -“I will think of it. At any rate, I thank you for the invitation.” - -Randolph went home at once. He wanted to tell his mother the news. It -may well be believed that she was not pleased. She would have been glad -to hear that he had been compelled to leave the city. - -“It seems,” said she, sharply, “that Mr. Briggs is not the only fool in -the city.” - -“I wonder what father would say to hear that,” chuckled Randolph. - -“You know what I mean. He was perfectly infatuated with that Greyson -boy; and now it appears that Mr. Vivian is just as much of a dupe.” - -“He’s very artful,” suggested Randolph. - -“That is the very word to use,” said Mrs. Briggs, energetically. “It -does credit to your insight into character.” - -“I always thought he was artful,” said Randolph, much flattered. - -“He never deceived _me_,” said his mother, emphatically. “I felt -instinctively that he was a boy to be shunned. I dare say he would like -to ingratiate himself with your father so far as to induce him to adopt -him, and put him on an equality with you.” - -“By gracious, I hope not,” exclaimed Randolph, alarmed. - -“He shall never do it with my consent,” said Mrs. Briggs, energetically. -“Fortunately you have a mother, who is devoted to you, my son.” - -“Of course you are, mother. You won’t let father pay Gilbert’s board, -after he gets back will you?” - -“Not if I can help it.” - -“And you’ll persuade him to give the extra amount to me?” - -“I will do my best; but your father is sometimes very obstinate.” - -“It takes you to manage him, mother. Just let him know what you think of -Gilbert.” - -“He knows that very well already; but I will do my best for you, -Randolph.” - -Six weeks later Mr. Briggs arrived in New York. Gilbert saw his name in -a list of the passengers by the last Cunard steamer, but decided not to -call upon him immediately. - -“He would think I was applying to have my board paid again,” he said to -himself; “and that is no longer necessary.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXXVII. - - AN IMPORTANT REVELATION. - - -Gilbert did not lose sight of the little flower-girl whom he had -befriended. Even when his fortunes were at the lowest, he never failed -to buy a bouquet of her daily. More than this he did not feel able to do -then. But as soon as he obtained the position of Fred’s teacher, he -again visited Mr. Talbot in his poor lodgings, and gave him more -substantial assistance. The sick man improved steadily in health and -spirits. It did him great good to feel that he had a friend, though that -friend was only a boy, dependent on his earnings for support. - -On the day after he had heard of Mr. Briggs’ return from Europe, Gilbert -made a hurried call during his dinner-hour. - -“How are you to-day, Mr. Talbot?” he asked. - -“I am better,” said the sick man. “I hope I shall soon be well enough to -go to work again.” - -“I think you will,” said Gilbert, cheerfully. “I must try to see what I -can find for you to do, among my business friends.” - -“Thank you; do you know many business men?” - -“No,” answered Gilbert. “I wonder,” he said, half to himself, “whether -my guardian couldn’t give you work.” - -“Your guardian!” repeated Mr. Talbot, in surprise. - -“Yes,” said Gilbert, smiling; “but you mustn’t think because I have a -guardian that I have any property.” - -“Who is your guardian?” - -“Mr. Richard Briggs, a New York merchant. He only got home from Europe -yesterday.” - -“Richard Briggs!” exclaimed the sick man in evident excitement. - -“Yes; do you know anything of him?” - -“His name is very familiar to me. Tell me, are you the son of James -Greyson, formerly a merchant in the West Indies?” - -It was Gilbert’s turn to be excited. - -“My father died in the West Indies,” he answered; “but I know very -little of him. Did you know him, Mr. Talbot?” - -“I ought to know him. I was his book-keeper up to the time of his -death.” - -“Is it possible?” ejaculated Gilbert. “How glad I am to meet you! I know -nothing of my father except what Mr. Briggs has told me.” - -“One thing I do not understand,” continued the sick man. “You say you -have no property; but this cannot be. Your father left seventy-five -thousand dollars.” - -“Seventy-five thousand dollars! Are you sure, Mr. Talbot?” - -“No one can be surer. I knew all about your father’s business and the -extent of his property.” - -“Was this money entrusted to my guardian?” asked Gilbert, quickly. - -“It was. Your father and Richard Briggs were schoolmates, so I have -heard him say; and he felt sufficient confidence in him to confide you -to his care.” - -It is not a pleasant moment when for the first time we are led to -suspect those in whom we have confided; and important and welcome as the -intelligence otherwise was, Gilbert felt sober at the treachery of Mr. -Briggs. The latter, as we have seen, had been kinder to him than his -wife or son, and Gilbert had felt grateful. Even now he could not rid -himself of a certain feeling of kindness to his guardian, false as he -had been to his trust. - -“I am sorry to hear this,” he said, gravely. - -“Sorry to hear that your father left you a fortune?” - -“I don’t mean that. I am sorry that my guardian has been wicked enough -to attempt to cheat me out of it.” - -“What sort of a man is Mr. Briggs?” - -“At first I was not prepossessed in his favor; but he improved on -acquaintance. When his wife and son spoke against me, he always took my -part. When I was charged with dishonesty, he refused to believe it.” - -“I think it quite possible that he is a naturally kind-hearted man,” -said the sick man; “but human nature is sometimes inconsistent. I think -it may have been in a moment of embarrassment that he appropriated your -fortune. If he has since prospered, it may be possible for you to -recover it.” - -“Are you sure it was as much as seventy-five thousand dollars, Mr. -Talbot?” asked Gilbert, dazzled as he well might be by the magnitude of -the sum. - -“I am sure of it.” - -“Can you prove it, so that Mr. Briggs will be compelled to give it up to -me?” - -“Fortunately I can. I have in my trunk a document, in your father’s own -handwriting, giving a schedule of his property, in which he expressly -says that he makes it over in trust to Richard Briggs, for your use. -Indeed, it must now amount to more than seventy-five thousand dollars; -for only a small part of the income has been expended for you. Probably -a few hundreds of dollars a year are all that have been spent for you.” - -“I don’t see how Mr. Briggs could make such false representations,” said -Gilbert, thoughtfully. - -“‘Money is the root of all evil,’ my young friend. It is an old proverb, -and unfortunately a true one.” - -“I have noticed one thing,” continued our hero. “When I thanked Mr. -Briggs for paying my board, as I supposed, out of his own pocket, he -always seemed uncomfortable and embarrassed.” - -“That shows he is not wholly without shame.” - -“It is about time for me to be going back to the office, Mr. Talbot; but -before I go I want to ask your advice on one point. How soon shall I -speak to Mr. Briggs on this subject?” - -“Whenever you have an opportunity.” - -“Of course, I must refer to you as my informant.” - -“By all means,” said the sick man, promptly. “It will be a great -satisfaction to me if, through my means, you succeed in obtaining your -rights.” - -For the rest of the day and through the evening Gilbert’s mind was -occupied with the important intelligence he had learned. He did not make -a confidant of any one, feeling that it was not yet time. - -Mr. Ingalls, his room-mate, saw that he was thinking busily about -something, but did not make any inquiries. He knew that Gilbert would -let him know when he got ready. Alphonso Jones was not so forbearing. - -“By Jove! Greyson, I believe you are in love,” he said, abruptly. - -“What makes you think so, Mr. Jones?” - -“You’ve been sitting with your eyes fixed on the carpet for five minutes -without speaking a word.” - -“Your opinion about love is worth something, Mr. Jones,” said Gilbert, -smiling. “You know how it is yourself. Didn’t I see you walking with a -fair widow last evening?” - -“Who do you mean?” asked Alphonso, smiling. - -“Mrs. Kinney, of course.” - -“I only happened to meet her going to a concert with Mr. Pond,” -exclaimed Alphonso. “He was called away a moment, and left her in my -care.” - -“He was very imprudent,” said Mr. Ingalls. “You know, Jones, you’re a -regular lady-killer. I really hope you won’t try any of your -fascinations on the widow.” - -Mr. Jones simpered, and was evidently pleased. It was his private -opinion that he was unusually fascinating, and this public -acknowledgment of it was gratifying. - -“You will have your joke, Mr. Ingalls,” he said. “I have a high respect -for Mrs. Kinney; but, really, there is nothing in it, I do assure you.” - -“Time will show,” said Mr. Ingalls, nodding his head in an oracular way. -“But don’t be precipitate, Mr. Jones. Remember the Countess de -Montmorency, who may yet be your bride.” - -“I have no hopes in that quarter,” said Alphonso, who had ascertained -that the count had been reduced by family misfortunes to accept a -position in a barbers shop. “Good-evening, gents.” - -When Alphonso had retired, Gilbert said, “I have something on my mind, -Mr. Ingalls, though not what Mr. Jones supposed. I hope soon to let you -know what it is.” - -“Whenever you are ready, Gilbert. I am not curious; but shall be -interested in anything that concerns you. It isn’t anything unpleasant, -I hope.” - -“It may be greatly to my advantage.” - -“If that is the case, I can wait cheerfully.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXXVIII. - - GILBERT’S SHIP COMES IN. - - -It may well be supposed that Gilbert wished, as soon as possible, to -question his guardian on a subject having such an important bearing upon -his future career. It occurred to him that it might be well to consult a -lawyer first; but he finally decided not to do so. Personally Mr. Briggs -had treated him kindly, and he did not wish, unless it should prove -absolutely necessary, to assume a position antagonistic to him. - -Gilbert reached his guardian’s house about eight o’clock in the evening. -He had received a note from Fred Vivian, stating that he was going to -the theatre, and would not require a lesson that evening. This gave him -abundant time for the interview. - -Mrs. Briggs and Randolph had gone to make a call, and Gilbert found Mr. -Briggs alone. In dressing-gown and slippers he was conning the evening -paper when Gilbert was announced. - -“Good-evening, Gilbert,” said Mr. Briggs, cordially. “I am glad to see -you.” - -“Thank you, sir,” said Gilbert, gravely. - -“I was feeling a little lonely. Mrs. Briggs and Randolph have gone out -to make a call. How have you got on since I went away?” - -“I am doing well now, sir; but at one time my prospects looked dark.” - -“How is that?” asked Mr. Briggs, surprised. “I thought I left you well -provided for.” - -It was Gilbert’s turn to look surprised. - -“Didn’t Randolph tell you about my losing my situation?” he asked. - -“Not a word. How came you to lose it?” - -Gilbert told the story, already familiar to the reader. He also told -about his regaining it. - -“That must have been disagreeable; and, of course, you felt the loss of -income. But your board was at least provided for. You received money for -that from my office?” - -“No, sir; not a cent.” - -“Why not? I left directions to that effect.” - -Gilbert’s cheek flushed. - -“I called on Mrs. Briggs, to inquire about it,” he said, reluctantly; -“but she chose to treat me as a beggar, and I declined to receive -anything.” - -Mr. Briggs looked annoyed. - -“I am afraid,” he said, desirous of excusing his wife, “that you are too -sensitive, Gilbert. Mrs. Briggs is a little unfortunate in her manner, -and gave you a wrong impression. However, you shall not suffer for it. -Come round to the office to-morrow, and I will give you a sum equal to -what you would have had if I had been at home.” - -“Thank you, sir,” said Gilbert; but still he looked grave. - -“Does not that satisfy you?” asked Mr. Briggs, a little annoyed. - -Gilbert felt that the time had come for his question. - -“I came here to-night, Mr. Briggs,” he commenced, “to ask you a -question.” - -“Ask it, of course,” said the merchant, quite unprepared for what was -coming. - -Gilbert fixed his clear, penetrating eyes on his guardian’s face. - -“My father left you some money in trust for me; did he not, sir?” - -“Certainly. I told you so.” - -“I know it, sir. Will you tell me what it amounted to?” - -“Really,” said Mr. Briggs, uncomfortably, “I can’t tell without looking -over my papers. What makes you ask?” - -“Did it not amount to seventy-five thousand dollars?” demanded Gilbert, -quietly. - -Richard Briggs nearly started from his seat in surprise and dismay. That -was the amount, as he well knew; but how on earth could the boy have -found out? He saw that his ward had obtained some dangerously accurate -information somewhere; and that he was thoroughly in earnest in his -inquiry. - -“Who could have put such a thought into your head?” he asked, slowly and -hesitatingly. - -“I won’t make a secret of it,” said Gilbert. “I have made the -acquaintance of a man who knew my father. He tells me he was his -book-keeper up to the time of his death. He claims to know all about my -father’s affairs, and the amount of property he left.” - -“There is some great mistake,” muttered the merchant. - -“I don’t think there can be. Mr. Talbot has, in his possession, and has -showed to me, an autograph-letter of my father, in which he gives full -details on this subject.” - -“Where is this Talbot?” asked Mr. Briggs, abruptly. - -“He is living in this city.” - -“Where?” - -“You must excuse me, Mr. Briggs. At present I do not wish to tell you.” - -“He may be an impostor.” - -“I have thought of that; but such an imposition could not be carried -out. I think he tells the truth.” - -“Suppose I believe the contrary,—what, then?” - -“You have reason to know whether what he says is correct or not, Mr. -Briggs,” said Gilbert, resolutely. “If you deny it, and assert that he -is an impostor, I will consult a lawyer, and have him cross-examine him -on the subject, and give me his opinion.” - -“You have not spoken to a lawyer yet?” said Mr. Briggs, uneasily. - -“No, sir.” - -“Lawyers are fond of instituting lawsuits. Probably one would report -favorably.” - -“I should want to know his grounds. And I would not consent to a suit, -unless he convinced me there was good ground for it.” - -“Gilbert,” said the merchant, “I feel friendly to you, and I want you to -succeed. Say no more about this affair, and to-morrow I will make over -to you bank-shares amounting to ten thousand dollars. That will give you -a good start in life.” - -“I only want what is my own,” said Gilbert, sturdily. “I want what my -father left me.” - -Mr. Briggs rose, and paced the room in silence. His good and bad angel -were contending for the supremacy. The conflict came to an end, and his -better nature triumphed. He resumed his seat, looking no longer -perplexed or troubled, but as one who had thrown off a burden. - -“Gilbert,” he said, “it is all true. I have tried to be a villain; but I -won’t be one any longer. Your father left you a fortune, and it shall be -restored to you.” - -Gilbert rose, and grasped Mr. Briggs’ hand cordially. Boy as he was, he -comprehended the struggle through which his guardian had passed. - -“Thank you, sir,” he said. “I shall forget all that has passed; and I -ask you to remain my guardian, and take care of my property for me.” - -Man of the world as he was, Mr. Briggs was touched by this proof of -generous confidence. - -“I don’t deserve this, Gilbert; but I will do as you ask. I will, -however, see a lawyer, and make such arrangements that whatever may -happen to me you will be safe.” - -At that moment the bell rang. - -“I think Mrs. Briggs and Randolph have returned,” said the merchant. -“One word, Gilbert, of what has passed between us, let it only be known -that you have received a large legacy, and that I am your guardian in -reality as well as in name.” - -“All right, sir. Perhaps I had better go. Mrs. Briggs don’t like me.” - -Her husband laughed. - -“She will change when she knows you are rich,” he said. “Don’t be -surprised. It is the way of the world.” - -He had scarcely finished when Mrs. Briggs entered, followed by Randolph. -She remarked Gilbert’s presence with displeasure. - -“You here?” she said. - -“Yes, my dear,” said Mr. Briggs, pleasantly. “Gilbert has been keeping -me company.” - -“He came _on business_, I suppose,” sneered the lady. - -“You are right, my dear. What made you guess his errand?” - -“I supposed he wanted help,” said Mrs. Briggs. “He wants his pension -restored, of course.” - -“Is that what you came for, Gilbert?” asked Randolph, uncomfortably. - -Gilbert rather enjoyed the misapprehension of his two enemies, but he -left Mr. Briggs to answer. - -“Really, my dear, you are hardly polite to my young ward.” - -“Your ward! Don’t be ridiculous, Mr. Briggs. You know he hasn’t got a -cent, and has to live on charity.” - -“You are quite mistaken, my dear. Gilbert has just come into a property -of over eighty thousand dollars. And he has asked me to take charge of -it for him.” - -Mrs. Briggs sank into a chair in utter stupefaction, while Randolph -opened his eyes in astonishment. - -“You are jesting!” Mrs. Briggs managed to utter. - -“Not at all. Is what I say correct, Gilbert?” - -“I believe it is, sir.” - -It is singular how Gilbert was transformed all at once in the eyes of -the worldly woman, and her son. Circumstances were changed, and they -must change with them. It was awkward, but it must be done. - -“I congratulate you, Gilbert,” she said, trying to smile. “You are -certainly very fortunate.” - -“I should say he was!” exclaimed Randolph. “I say, Gilbert, come and -live with us, won’t you?” - -“I should really be glad to have my husband’s ward in my family,” said -Mrs. Briggs, as graciously as possible. - -“Thank you,” said Gilbert; “but this has come upon me so suddenly, that -I don’t know what arrangements I shall make.” - -“Who left you this fortune?” asked Mrs. Briggs, curiously. - -“We are not at liberty to go into particulars,” said Mr. Briggs; “but -there is no doubt about it.” - -“If you will excuse me, Mr. Briggs, I will leave you now. I should like -to tell my friends of my good fortune.” - -“Certainly. Come to my counting-room in the morning at ten. Some -arrangements will need to be made.” - -“I will be on hand, sir.” - -“Dine with us to-morrow, Gilbert,” said Mrs. Briggs, graciously. -“Randolph will be so glad of your company.” - -“Thank you.” - -Gilbert thought it due to his guardian to accept. He was wise enough to -take the world as he found it, and return courtesy with courtesy. - -“What has happened, Gilbert?” exclaimed his room-mate, when, half an -hour later, Gilbert broke into the room, his face full of excitement. - -“I am rich, Mr. Ingalls. I have become heir to eighty thousand dollars.” - -“Good gracious!” exclaimed Alphonso Jones, who was present. “I suppose -you will go to live on Fifth Avenue among the swells.” - -“Not at present, Mr. Jones.” - -“I am very glad of your good luck, Gilbert,” said his room-mate, warmly. -“You must tell me all about it by and by.” - -“I wish I had eighty thousand dollars,” said Alphonso. “Wouldn’t I be -high-toned?” - -“Can’t one be high-toned without being rich, Mr. Jones?” asked Gilbert. - -Mr. Jones thought not; but he made one mental reservation. He privately -thought himself high-toned, though he certainly was not rich. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXIX. - - CONCLUSION. - - -Nowhere did Gilbert receive heartier congratulations on the change in -his fortunes than from Mr. Vivian and his family. Fred only was -disturbed. - -“I suppose you won’t be willing to teach me any more, now you are rich, -Gilbert,” he said. - -“I don’t think it will make any difference, Fred,” said Gilbert; “but I -must consult your father about my plans.” - -“What are your own views and wishes, Gilbert?” asked the merchant. - -“I want to get a better education,” said Gilbert. “I should like to -carry out my original plan, and go to college. After I graduate I may -devote myself to business; but a good education won’t interfere with -that.” - -“I approve your plan,” said Mr. Vivian. “Of course you will resign your -place at the broker’s.” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Then I shall submit a plan for your future. We all like you, and you -can be of use to Fred. Come and live with us. You can complete your -preparation for college at some first-class school in the city, and -enter next summer, if you like.” - -“I hope you will come, Gilbert,” said Laura. - -It might have been her voice which decided Gilbert to accept. At any -rate, he did accept gratefully; and in less than a week he was installed -at Mr. Vivian’s as a member of the family. - -Mr. Sands was sorry to lose his services, but acknowledged that it was -better for him to give up his place. The day after his retirement he was -sitting in Madison Park, when John, who had once caused him to lose his -place, espied him. John had not yet succeeded in securing a place, nor -had Mr. Moore, the book-keeper. - -“What brings you here at this time in the day?” asked John, in surprise. - -“I am a gentleman of leisure,” answered Gilbert. - -“Have you left Mr. Sands?” asked John, eagerly. - -“Yes.” - -“Been bounced, eh?” asked John, radiantly. - -Gilbert smiled. He understood John’s feelings. - -“No,” he answered. “I left of my own accord.” - -“You haven’t got another place?” - -“No.” - -“Then it’s too thin, your leaving of your own accord.” - -“It does look so, I admit,” said Gilbert, good-humoredly. “But it is -true, nevertheless.” - -“Why did you leave, then? You haven’t had a fortune left you?” - -“You’ve hit it, John. I no longer need my pay. I have become rich, and -shall go on preparing for college.” - -“Is that really so?” - -“It is quite true.” - -“Some folks are lucky,” said John, enviously. “I aint one of that kind. -I wish I could get your old place.” - -“I am afraid Mr. Sands wouldn’t take you back. I wish he would, and that -you would do so well that he would keep you.” - -“That will do to say; but you wouldn’t help me back.” - -“Yes, I would, and will. I will go down to the office now, and ask Mr. -Sands to take you back.” - -“You will, after the mean way I have treated you?” exclaimed John, in -surprise. - -“I don’t bear any malice, John,” said Gilbert. “Here, take my hand, and -look upon me as a friend. If I can’t get you back into my old place, -I’ll try elsewhere. Come, let us take the cars down-town, and I’ll see -what I can do for you.” - -“What a good fellow you are, Gilbert!” said John, much moved. “I am -ashamed of trying to injure you.” - -“You didn’t know me, then. But, John, will you try to give satisfaction, -if you are taken back?” - -“Yes, I will,” said John, earnestly. - -Half an hour later they entered the broker’s office. No boy had been -engaged as yet. Mr. Sands did not at first regard John’s application -with favor; though, as he understood the duties of the place, he could, -if he pleased, do better than a new boy. Finally, the broker agreed to -take him on trial. - -“Remember, John,” he said, “you owe your place to Gilbert’s -intercession. But for that I wouldn’t take you back.” - -“I know it, sir. I hope you won’t be sorry.” - -Here it may be said that John turned over a new leaf, and succeeded in -this last trial in giving satisfaction. His cousin, Simon Moore, called -him mean-spirited for going back; but John felt that he must look out -for his own interests now, and did not regard his objection. - -In his prosperity Gilbert did not forget Mr. Talbot and his little -daughter. While he continued sick our hero allowed him a weekly sum -sufficient to support father and daughter comfortably; and on his -recovery he found him employment, and a more comfortable lodging. Little -Emma was no longer obliged to go into the streets to sell bouquets, but -was put at a good day-school. From time to time Gilbert called upon -them, and was rejoiced to see the improved looks and happier faces of -Emma and her father. - -In the first chapter of this story the reader will recall John Munford, -a school-friend of Gilbert, the son of a carpenter, who, on account of -his father’s poverty, was obliged to leave school, and go to work. -Gilbert, in becoming rich, did not forget his early friend. One day John -received a letter from Gilbert, in which, after speaking of his change -of fortune, he wrote:— - -“Now, John, I have a large income,—much more than I can use,—and I want -to do what good I can with it. I know you want to keep at school, but -cannot, on account of your father’s circumstances. I have a proposal to -make to you. Give up work, and go back to Dr. Burton’s school. I will -allow you three hundred dollars a year till you are ready to go to -college. Then you shall come to Yale, and room with me. I will provide -for you in college. After you graduate, your education will command a -position that will make you independent. Let me know at once if you -accept, or rather write me that you do accept.” - -What could John do, but to accept this generous offer with deep -gratitude to his old school-fellow? Need it be said that Gilbert -fulfilled his promise to the letter. Last year the two friends -graduated, both taking high rank; and John is now principal of a High -School in a Massachusetts town. Gilbert has decided to lead a business -life, and has entered Mr. Vivian’s establishment. He will be junior -partner at the end of three years. He may form another partnership with -a member of Mr. Vivian’s family. I cannot say positively, but I think it -quite probable. - -Mr. Briggs is no longer Gilbert’s guardian. Our hero is of age, and has -assumed the charge of his own property. He is always sure of a cordial -welcome from Mrs. Briggs now, and Randolph cultivates his intimacy; but -Gilbert does not find him congenial. He is inclined to be dissipated, -and, I am afraid, will not turn out well. But his mother upholds him on -all occasions; and her ill-judged indulgence is partly the cause of her -son’s lack of promise. - -Gilbert sometimes visits the old boarding-house. Mr. Ingalls is -prospering. Alphonso Jones now boasts of his intimacy with Gilbert. It -is rumored that he has offered himself to Mrs. Kinney, a young widow, -already mentioned, and been rejected. His heart is not broken, however; -and he is now a suitor for the hand of Miss Brintnall, the strong-minded -school-teacher. She is “high-toned” in one sense, at least, as he will -probably find after marriage. - - * * * * * - -The next volume of this series will be - - WORK AND HOPE; - OR, - BEN BRADFORD’S MOTTO. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - Transcriber’s Notes - -Text in italics is enclosed by underscores (_italics_); text in bold by -“equal” signs (=bold=). - -Obvious typographical errors have been silently corrected. - -Archaic and variable spelling has been preserved. - -Variations in hyphenation and compound words have been preserved. - -The author was consistent in his spelling of “aint” throughout. - -On page 75 “conderable” was replaced by “considerable”. - -On page 139 an “at” was added to the sentence between “dine” and the -hour. - - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Shifting For Himself, by Horatio Alger Jr. - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF *** - -***** This file should be named 55598-0.txt or 55598-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/5/5/9/55598/ - -Produced by David Edwards, Elizabeth Oscanyan and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net -(This file was produced from images generously made -available by The Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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