"
"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.
Pages:
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98