The Cash Boy

sekeeper was about to withdraw; "don't imag

tone. "You are very considerate, I am sure, but i

Mr. Wharton, "and I dare say she feels a little disturbed a

l be offended with m

matters to her. Go on wi

e, Mr. Wharton t

said. "I have no doubt yo

ot tire

all seldom keep you later than this. D

shall I come to-

e before

be pun

holly without anxiety, for it was

come home. I began to think you had got into trouble. I was j

e a different

, including an accou

ny in the evening. I am sorry for th

expected," said Fran

n is this Mr. Whar

to have so good a friend. There's only one

t's

s. Bradley-for some reason or o

kes you

o read to Mr. Wharton last evening, and didn't see

take care not to offend her. She m

politely, but I don't th

n leaving the library, had go

fool!" she mutt

le vagabond to take my place in the old man's good graces? I've been slaving and slaving for twenty years, and what have I got by it? I've laid up two thousand dollars; and what is that to provide for my old a

n a moment one of the housemai

outside, ma'am, and

ace became softer and pleasanter in aspect as a you

re you

e answered. "You haven't

Nothing but work, work, all the tim

gh at six o'cl

es

your evenings pr

s, aunt, if that's what you mean.

ink you migh

a young fellow like me when he's got his boa

I hope, Thomas?" said

nd I don't know where I'm going

of the housekeeper was warm. He was her sister's son and her nearest relative. Her savings were destined for him, and in her attachment she was not conscious of his disagreeable characteristics. She had occasionally given him a five-dollar

motive of such attention she received from her nephew. She flattered herself that he

p you to an increase of your income. Mr. Wharton needs somebody

don't see it. I don't wa

estly. "He is very rich. He might take a

l. Do you really think there's any chance of

ourself. You must

o something. Wh

act, there's another re

e's no cha

unsuited for the place. He's a cash-boy at Gilbert & Mack's.

my own place? W

r, I b

y come. How did he get

reet, and he happened to be

e to manage

to a strange boy, seeing I have been twenty years in his servi

of giving up my evenings. I

ttle while, to get h

n tell him my health was failing, and

rst thing must be to

with his aunt, the richer by five dollars, half of which was s