章节正文
of that time some of Mr. Preston's friends may wish to employ
you."
"I hope they will."
"How much do you think I have made?" continued Paul.
"Six dollars."
"Seven dollars and a half."
"So between us we have earned over twelve dollars."
"I wish I could earn something," said little Jimmy, looking up
from his drawing.
"There's time enough for that, Jimmy. You are going to be a
great artist one of these days."
"Do you really think I shall?" asked the little boy, wistfully.
"I think there is a good chance of it. Let me see what you are
drawing."
The picture upon which Jimmy was at work represented a farmer
standing upright in a cart, drawn by a sturdy, large-framed
horse. The copy bore a close resemblance to the original, even
in the most difficult portions--the face and expression, both in
the man and the horse, being carefully reproduced.
"This is wonderful, Jimmy," exclaimed Paul, in real surprise.
"Didn't you find it hard to get the man's face just right?"
"Rather hard," said Jimmy; "I had to be careful, but I like best
the parts where I have to take the most pains."
"I wish I could afford to hire a teacher for you," said Paul.
"Perhaps, if mother and I keep on earning so much money, we shall
be able to some time."
By the middle of the next week six of the shirts were finished,
and Paul, as had been agreed upon, carried them up to Mr.
Preston. He was fortunate enough to find him at home.
"I hope they will suit you," said Paul.
"I can see that the sewing is excellent," said Mr. Preston,
examining them. "As to the fit, I can tell better after I have
tried one on."
"Mother made them just like the one you sent; but if there is
anything wrong, she will, of course, be ready to alter them."
"If they are just like the pattern, they will be sure to suit
me."
"And now, my young friend," he added, "let me know how you are
getting on in your own business."
"I am making a dollar a day, sometimes a little more."
"That is very good."
"Yes, sir; but it won't last long."
"I believe you told me that the stand belonged to some one else."
"Yes, sir; I am only tending it in his sickness; but he is
getting better, and when he gets about again, I shall be thrown
out of business."
"But you don't look like one who would remain idle long."
"No, sir; I shall be certain to find something to do, if it is
only blacking boots."
"Have you ever been in that business?"
"I've tried about everything," said Paul, laughing.
"I suppose you wouldn't enjoy boot-blacking much?"
"No, sir; but I would rather do that than be earning nothing."
"You are quite right there, and I am glad you have no false shame
in the matter. There are plenty who have. For instance, a
stout, broad-shouldered young fellow applied to me thus morning
for a clerkship. He said he had come to the city in search of
employment, and had nearly expended all his money without finding
anything to do. I told him I couldn't give him a clerkship, but
was in want of a porter. I offered him the place at two dollars
per day. He drew back, and said he should not be willing to
accept a porter's place."
"He was very foolish," said Paul.
"So I thought. I told him that if such were his feelings, I
could not help him. Perhaps he may regret his refusal, when he
is reduced to his last penny. By the way, whenever you have to
give up your stand, you may come to me, and I will see what I can
do for you."
"Thank you, sir."
"And now, about these shirts; I believe I agreed to pay a dollar
and a quarter each."
"Yes, sir."
"As they are of extra size, I think I ought to pay twelve
shillings, instead of ten."
"My mother thinks herself well paid at ten shillings."
"There must be a great deal of work about one. Twelve shillings
are none too much," and Mr. Preston placed nine dollars in Paul's
hand.
"Thank you," said Paul, gratefully. "My mother will consider
herself very lucky."
When Mrs. Hoffman received from Paul a dollar and a half more
than she anticipated, she felt in unusually good spirits. She
had regretted the loss of her former poorly paid work, but it
appeared that her seemingmisfortune had only prepared the way
for greater prosperity. The trouble was that it would not last.
Still, it would tide over the dull time, and when this job was
over, she might be able to resume her old employment. At any
rate, while the future seemed uncertain, she did not feel like
increasing her expenditures on account of her increased earnings,
but laid carefully away three-quarters of her receipts to use
hereafter in case of need.
Meanwhile, Paul continued to take care of George Barry's
business. He had been obliged to renew the stock, his large
sales having materially reduced it. Twice a week he went up to
see his principal to report sales. George Barry could not
conceal the surprise he felt at Paul's success.
"I never thought you would do so well," he said. "You beat me."
"I suppose it's because I like it," said Paul. "Then, as I get
only half the profits, I have to work the harder to make fair
wages."
"It is fortunate for my son that he found you to take his place,"
said Mrs. Barry. "He could not afford to lose all the income
from his business."
"It is a good thing for both of us," said Paul. "I was looking
for a job just when he fell sick."
"What had you been doing before?"
"I was in the prize-package business, but that got played out,
and I was a gentleman at large, seeking for a light, genteel
business that wouldn't require much capital."
"I shall be able to take my place pretty soon now," said the
young man. "I might go to-morrow, but mother thinks it
imprudent."
"Better get back your strength first, George," said his mother,
"or you may fall sick again."
But her son was impatient of confinement and anxious to get to
work again. So, two days afterward, about the middle of the
forenoon, Paul was surprised by seeing George Barry get out of a
Broadway omnibus, just in front of the stand.
"Can I sell you a necktie, Mr. Barry?" he asked, in a joke.
"I almost feel like a stranger," said Barry, "it's so long since
I have been here."
"Do you feel strong enough to take charge now?" asked Paul.
"I am not so strong as I was, and the walk from our rooms would
tire me; but I think if I rode both ways for the present I shall
be able to get along."
"Then you won't need me any longer?"
"I would like to have you stay with me to-day. I don't know how
I shall hold out."
"All right! I'll stop."
George Barry remained in attendance the rest of the day. He
found that his strength had so far returned that he should be
able to manage alone hereafter, and he told Paul so.
"I am glad you are well again, George," said Paul. "It must have
been dull work staying at home sick."
"Yes, it was dull; but I felt more comfortable from knowing that
you were taking my place. If I get sick again I will send for
you."
"I hope you won't get sick; but if you do, I will do what I can
to help you."
So the two parted on the best of terms. Each had been of service
to the other, and neither had cause to complain.
"Well," said Paul to himself, "I am out of work again. What
shall I go at next?"
It was six o'clock, and there was nothing to be done till the
morrow. He went slowly homeward, revolving this subject in his
mind. He knew that he need not remain idle. He could black
boots, or sell newspapers, if nothing better offered, and he
thought it quite possible that he might adopt the latter
business, for a few days at least. He had not forgotten Mr.
Preston's injunction to let him know when he got out of business;
but, as the second half dozen shirts would be ready in three or
four days, he preferred to wait till then, and not make a special
call on Mr Preston. He had considerableindependence of feeling,
and didn't like to put himself in the position of one asking a
favor, though he had no objection to accept one voluntarily
offered.
"Well, mother," he said, entering his humble home, "I am out of
business."
"Has George recovered, then?"
"Yes, he was at the stand to-day, but wanted me to stay with him
till this evening."
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" said Jimmy.
"Sorry that George has got well? For shame, Jimmy!"
"No, I don't mean that, Paul. I am sorry you are out of work."
"I shall find plenty to do, Jimmy. Perhaps Mr. Stewart will take
me in as seniorpartner, if I ask him."
"I don't think he will," said Jimmy, laughing.
"Then perhaps I can get a few scholars in drawing. Can't you
recommend me?"
"I am afraid not, Paul, unless you have improved a good deal."
CHAPTER XIV
THE DIAMOND RING
Paul was up betimes the next morning. He had made up his mind
for a few days, at least, to sell newspapers, and it was
necessary in this business to begin the day early. He tool a
dollar with him and invested a part of it in a stock of dailies.
He posted himself in Printing House square, and began to look out
for customers. Being an enterprising boy, he was sure to meet
with fair success in any business which he undertook. So it
happened that at ten o'clock he had sold out his stock of papers,
and realized a profit of fifty cents.
It was getting late for morning papers, and there was nothing
left to do till the issue of the first edition of the afternoon
papers.
"I'll go down and see how George Barry is getting along," thought
Paul.
He crossed Broadway and soon reached the familiar stand.
"How's business, George?" he inquired.
"Fair," said Barry. "I've sold four ties."
"How do you feel?"
"I'm not so strong as I was, yet. I get tired more easily. I
don't think I shall stay in this business long."
"You don't? What will you do then?"
"I've got a chance in Philadelphia, or I shall have by the first
of the month."
"What sort of a chance?"
"Mother got a letter yesterday from a cousin of hers who has a
store on Chestnut street. He offers to take me as a clerk, and
give me ten dollars a week at first, and more after a while."
"That's a good offer. I should like to get one like it."
"I'll tell you what, Paul, you'd better buy out my stand. You
you."
"I hope they will."
"How much do you think I have made?" continued Paul.
"Six dollars."
"Seven dollars and a half."
"So between us we have earned over twelve dollars."
"I wish I could earn something," said little Jimmy, looking up
from his drawing.
"There's time enough for that, Jimmy. You are going to be a
great artist one of these days."
"Do you really think I shall?" asked the little boy, wistfully.
"I think there is a good chance of it. Let me see what you are
drawing."
The picture upon which Jimmy was at work represented a farmer
standing upright in a cart, drawn by a sturdy, large-framed
horse. The copy bore a close resemblance to the original, even
in the most difficult portions--the face and expression, both in
the man and the horse, being carefully reproduced.
"This is wonderful, Jimmy," exclaimed Paul, in real surprise.
"Didn't you find it hard to get the man's face just right?"
"Rather hard," said Jimmy; "I had to be careful, but I like best
the parts where I have to take the most pains."
"I wish I could afford to hire a teacher for you," said Paul.
"Perhaps, if mother and I keep on earning so much money, we shall
be able to some time."
By the middle of the next week six of the shirts were finished,
and Paul, as had been agreed upon, carried them up to Mr.
Preston. He was fortunate enough to find him at home.
"I hope they will suit you," said Paul.
"I can see that the sewing is excellent," said Mr. Preston,
examining them. "As to the fit, I can tell better after I have
tried one on."
"Mother made them just like the one you sent; but if there is
anything wrong, she will, of course, be ready to alter them."
"If they are just like the pattern, they will be sure to suit
me."
"And now, my young friend," he added, "let me know how you are
getting on in your own business."
"I am making a dollar a day, sometimes a little more."
"That is very good."
"Yes, sir; but it won't last long."
"I believe you told me that the stand belonged to some one else."
"Yes, sir; I am only tending it in his sickness; but he is
getting better, and when he gets about again, I shall be thrown
out of business."
"But you don't look like one who would remain idle long."
"No, sir; I shall be certain to find something to do, if it is
only blacking boots."
"Have you ever been in that business?"
"I've tried about everything," said Paul, laughing.
"I suppose you wouldn't enjoy boot-blacking much?"
"No, sir; but I would rather do that than be earning nothing."
"You are quite right there, and I am glad you have no false shame
in the matter. There are plenty who have. For instance, a
stout, broad-shouldered young fellow applied to me thus morning
for a clerkship. He said he had come to the city in search of
employment, and had nearly expended all his money without finding
anything to do. I told him I couldn't give him a clerkship, but
was in want of a porter. I offered him the place at two dollars
per day. He drew back, and said he should not be willing to
accept a porter's place."
"He was very foolish," said Paul.
"So I thought. I told him that if such were his feelings, I
could not help him. Perhaps he may regret his refusal, when he
is reduced to his last penny. By the way, whenever you have to
give up your stand, you may come to me, and I will see what I can
do for you."
"Thank you, sir."
"And now, about these shirts; I believe I agreed to pay a dollar
and a quarter each."
"Yes, sir."
"As they are of extra size, I think I ought to pay twelve
shillings, instead of ten."
"My mother thinks herself well paid at ten shillings."
"There must be a great deal of work about one. Twelve shillings
are none too much," and Mr. Preston placed nine dollars in Paul's
hand.
"Thank you," said Paul, gratefully. "My mother will consider
herself very lucky."
When Mrs. Hoffman received from Paul a dollar and a half more
than she anticipated, she felt in unusually good spirits. She
had regretted the loss of her former poorly paid work, but it
appeared that her seemingmisfortune had only prepared the way
for greater prosperity. The trouble was that it would not last.
Still, it would tide over the dull time, and when this job was
over, she might be able to resume her old employment. At any
rate, while the future seemed uncertain, she did not feel like
increasing her expenditures on account of her increased earnings,
but laid carefully away three-quarters of her receipts to use
hereafter in case of need.
Meanwhile, Paul continued to take care of George Barry's
business. He had been obliged to renew the stock, his large
sales having materially reduced it. Twice a week he went up to
see his principal to report sales. George Barry could not
conceal the surprise he felt at Paul's success.
"I never thought you would do so well," he said. "You beat me."
"I suppose it's because I like it," said Paul. "Then, as I get
only half the profits, I have to work the harder to make fair
wages."
"It is fortunate for my son that he found you to take his place,"
said Mrs. Barry. "He could not afford to lose all the income
from his business."
"It is a good thing for both of us," said Paul. "I was looking
for a job just when he fell sick."
"What had you been doing before?"
"I was in the prize-package business, but that got played out,
and I was a gentleman at large, seeking for a light, genteel
business that wouldn't require much capital."
"I shall be able to take my place pretty soon now," said the
young man. "I might go to-morrow, but mother thinks it
imprudent."
"Better get back your strength first, George," said his mother,
"or you may fall sick again."
But her son was impatient of confinement and anxious to get to
work again. So, two days afterward, about the middle of the
forenoon, Paul was surprised by seeing George Barry get out of a
Broadway omnibus, just in front of the stand.
"Can I sell you a necktie, Mr. Barry?" he asked, in a joke.
"I almost feel like a stranger," said Barry, "it's so long since
I have been here."
"Do you feel strong enough to take charge now?" asked Paul.
"I am not so strong as I was, and the walk from our rooms would
tire me; but I think if I rode both ways for the present I shall
be able to get along."
"Then you won't need me any longer?"
"I would like to have you stay with me to-day. I don't know how
I shall hold out."
"All right! I'll stop."
George Barry remained in attendance the rest of the day. He
found that his strength had so far returned that he should be
able to manage alone hereafter, and he told Paul so.
"I am glad you are well again, George," said Paul. "It must have
been dull work staying at home sick."
"Yes, it was dull; but I felt more comfortable from knowing that
you were taking my place. If I get sick again I will send for
you."
"I hope you won't get sick; but if you do, I will do what I can
to help you."
So the two parted on the best of terms. Each had been of service
to the other, and neither had cause to complain.
"Well," said Paul to himself, "I am out of work again. What
shall I go at next?"
It was six o'clock, and there was nothing to be done till the
morrow. He went slowly homeward, revolving this subject in his
mind. He knew that he need not remain idle. He could black
boots, or sell newspapers, if nothing better offered, and he
thought it quite possible that he might adopt the latter
business, for a few days at least. He had not forgotten Mr.
Preston's injunction to let him know when he got out of business;
but, as the second half dozen shirts would be ready in three or
four days, he preferred to wait till then, and not make a special
call on Mr Preston. He had considerableindependence of feeling,
and didn't like to put himself in the position of one asking a
favor, though he had no objection to accept one voluntarily
offered.
"Well, mother," he said, entering his humble home, "I am out of
business."
"Has George recovered, then?"
"Yes, he was at the stand to-day, but wanted me to stay with him
till this evening."
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" said Jimmy.
"Sorry that George has got well? For shame, Jimmy!"
"No, I don't mean that, Paul. I am sorry you are out of work."
"I shall find plenty to do, Jimmy. Perhaps Mr. Stewart will take
me in as seniorpartner, if I ask him."
"I don't think he will," said Jimmy, laughing.
"Then perhaps I can get a few scholars in drawing. Can't you
recommend me?"
"I am afraid not, Paul, unless you have improved a good deal."
CHAPTER XIV
THE DIAMOND RING
Paul was up betimes the next morning. He had made up his mind
for a few days, at least, to sell newspapers, and it was
necessary in this business to begin the day early. He tool a
dollar with him and invested a part of it in a stock of dailies.
He posted himself in Printing House square, and began to look out
for customers. Being an enterprising boy, he was sure to meet
with fair success in any business which he undertook. So it
happened that at ten o'clock he had sold out his stock of papers,
and realized a profit of fifty cents.
It was getting late for morning papers, and there was nothing
left to do till the issue of the first edition of the afternoon
papers.
"I'll go down and see how George Barry is getting along," thought
Paul.
He crossed Broadway and soon reached the familiar stand.
"How's business, George?" he inquired.
"Fair," said Barry. "I've sold four ties."
"How do you feel?"
"I'm not so strong as I was, yet. I get tired more easily. I
don't think I shall stay in this business long."
"You don't? What will you do then?"
"I've got a chance in Philadelphia, or I shall have by the first
of the month."
"What sort of a chance?"
"Mother got a letter yesterday from a cousin of hers who has a
store on Chestnut street. He offers to take me as a clerk, and
give me ten dollars a week at first, and more after a while."
"That's a good offer. I should like to get one like it."
"I'll tell you what, Paul, you'd better buy out my stand. You
- fortunate [´fɔ:tʃənət]
a.幸运的，侥幸的 (初中英语单词) - sickness [´siknis] n.生病；呕吐，恶心 (初中英语单词)
- instance [´instəns] n.例子，实例，例证 (初中英语单词)
- willing [´wiliŋ] a.情愿的，乐意的 (初中英语单词)
- whenever [wen´evə] conj.&ad.无论何时 (初中英语单词)
- gratefully [´greitfuli] ad.感激地 (初中英语单词)
- prosperity [prɔ´speriti] n.繁荣；成功；幸运 (初中英语单词)
- employment [im´plɔimənt] n.工作；职业；雇用 (初中英语单词)
- uncertain [ʌn´sə:tn] a.不定的；不可靠的 (初中英语单词)
- account [ə´kaunt] vi.说明 vt.认为 n.帐目 (初中英语单词)
- principal [´prinsəpəl] a.主要的 n.负责人 (初中英语单词)
- anxious [´æŋkʃəs] a.担忧的；渴望的 (初中英语单词)
- charge [tʃɑ:dʒ] v.收费；冲锋 n.费用 (初中英语单词)
- knowing [´nəuiŋ] a.会意的，心照不宣的 (初中英语单词)
- considerable [kən´sidərəbəl] a.重要的；值得重视 (初中英语单词)
- independence [,indi´pendəns] n.独立，自主，自立 (初中英语单词)
- objection [əb´dʒekʃən] n.反对；异议；缺点 (初中英语单词)
- humble [´hʌmbəl] a.谦卑的 vt.贬抑 (初中英语单词)
- partner [´pɑ:tnə] n.伙伴 v.同....合作 (初中英语单词)
- yesterday [´jestədi] n.&ad.昨天；前不久 (初中英语单词)
- upright [´ʌprait] a.直立的 ad.直立地 (高中英语单词)
- sturdy [´stə:di] a.坚强的；坚定的 (高中英语单词)
- resemblance [ri´zembləns] n.类似；肖像；外表 (高中英语单词)
- sewing [´səuiŋ] n.缝纫；(书的)装订 (高中英语单词)
- porter [´pɔ:tə] n.守门人；勤杂工人 (高中英语单词)
- refusal [ri´fju:zəl] n.拒绝；优先取舍权 (高中英语单词)
- misfortune [mis´fɔ:tʃən] n.不幸；灾祸 (高中英语单词)
- impatient [im´peiʃənt] a.不耐烦的，急躁的 (高中英语单词)
- seeing [si:iŋ] see的现在分词 n.视觉 (高中英语单词)
- hereafter [hiər´ɑ:ftə] ad.&n.将来；来世 (高中英语单词)
- homeward [´həumwəd] ad.&a.回家(的) (高中英语单词)
- senior [´si:niə] a.年长的 n.前辈 (高中英语单词)
- edition [i´diʃən] n.版本；很相似的 (高中英语单词)
- broadway [´brɔ:dwei] n.&a.百老汇大街(的) (高中英语单词)
- chestnut [´tʃesnʌt] n.栗子；栗树；栗色(马) (高中英语单词)
- unusually [ʌn´ju:ʒuəli] ad.异常地；非常 (英语四级单词)
- poorly [´puəli] a.不舒服的 ad.贫穷地 (英语四级单词)
- seeming [´si:miŋ] a.表面上的 n.外观 (英语四级单词)
- materially [mə´tiəriəli] ad.物质上；有形地 (英语四级单词)
- necktie [´nektai] n.领带 (英语四级单词)
- injunction [in´dʒʌŋkʃən] n.指令；法院禁令 (英语四级单词)
- drawing [´drɔ:iŋ] n.画图；制图；图样 (英语四级单词)
- undertook [,ʌndə´tuk] undertake的过去式 (英语四级单词)
- applied [ə´plaid] a.实用的，应用的 (英语六级单词)
- confinement [kən´fainmənt] n.限制；监禁；分娩 (英语六级单词)
- taking [´teikiŋ] a.迷人的 n.捕获物 (英语六级单词)
- betimes [bi´taimz] ad.早；准时；不久以后 (英语六级单词)
- enterprising [´entəpraiziŋ] a.有事业心的 (英语六级单词)
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章节正文
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