Slow and Sure: The Story of Paul Hoffman the Young Street-Merchant

ve directions in regard to the house. They had no difficulty in finding it. On ringing the bell they we

in," said Paul, as he sat on the sofa beside his

objection to our using her

vely, "whether I shall ever ha

ness increases," said

enty of men in New York, who live in style now, who began the world wi

s," said his mother. "Wealth a

ery comfortabl

it is proper

be sure that I shall not be ashamed

e not,

nce of Mrs. Talbot. She was a stout, comely-loo

s is Mrs. Hoff

is mother

d the latter. "I suppose

your seat, Mrs. Hoffm

politeness, and his mother

willing to take charge of the ho

be glad t

t hand, were afraid we might not succeed in making a satisfactory arrangement. Fort

r your expectations, Mrs. Talb

said Mrs. Talbot, an

lady-like demeanor. She had been afraid, when first informed by her husband of the engagement he had made,

, "you would like to

you, I

directions in regard to the care of it. Follow me, if

seat, not sure whether he was i

he likes," said Mrs. Talbo

d them. He had a natural curiosity

of three rooms, the one in front quite large and pleasant. It was plainly but comfo

t. "Of course I have no objection to your moving

ove in," said Paul. "We were

ou were un

f it had not been for that Paul would not have called

save nothing?" a

ely an

uggested Mrs. Talbot kindly, "I will advance

um of money, more than enough for our present needs, deposited with

the manner in which her offer had been declined. She saw that they h

nate enough to have a reserve fund to fall back upon. Now, if yo

t gave directions for their care, which would not be

sement that it might be inconvenient for you to occupy them. If you prefer, you may move down two bedsteads

. Talbot; I sho

o do it. I believe I have now said all I wan

e will

ot to inquire the s

other child, a li

aware of the destructive propensities of children, a

albot. "Should anything else occur to me, I will menti

eir leave. When they were i

hat do you think

much. She seems t

eems to be very ki

to get so good a home a

wo hundred and for

save up considerabl

we are in so much better circumstances, there wil

me from your employment, Pau

ther; but you will have enough

is a work that I like. In return I will hire

ter," said Paul; "but you

is, in moderation. When I made shirts for that establishment in Broadway, for such low prices, I cannot say t

n't as good a chance for me to succeed as for other poor boys who have risen to wealth and eminence.

nd of pu

e devouring element, as the reporters say. Now, being a young man of fashion, I don't

it, I would make

feel like wearing the shirt I

said his mot

ecline with thanks, on account of having only one shirt. My

should

help of the washerwoman, until you can make me some new ones. Then I will g

are getting ext

ress accordingly, you know, mother. That

wo

tie up all my clothes in a handkerchief-that is, if I had a spare one; but

home. I am afraid you won't have money en

-morrow and do so. I forgot how much we had to buy. I shall close up bus

y, but she had considerable confidence in Paul's judgment, and indeed their prospects looked bright