The Cash Boy [17]
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The following evening the housekeeper received another visit from her nephew.
``How do, aunt?'' said Thomas Bradley, carelessly, as he entered the housekeeper's room.
``Very well, thank you, Thomas. I am glad you are here. I have been wanting to see you.''
``The old man isn't going to do anything for me, is he?''
``How can you expect it so soon? He doesn't know you yet. How much do you think he pays the cash-boy that reads to him in the evening?''
``I don't know.''
``Five dollars a week.''
``I wouldn't give up my evenings for that,'' he said.
``It isn't so much the pay, Thomas, though that would be a help. He might take a fancy to you.''
``That might pay better. When are you going to introduce me?''
``This evening; that is, I will ask Mr. Wharton if he will see you.''
Mrs. Bradley entered the library, where Frank was engaged in reading aloud.
``Excuse my interruption,'' she said; ``but my nephew has just called, and I should like to introduce him to you, if you will kindly receive him.''
``Certainly, Mrs. Bradley,'' said Mr. Wharton. ``Bring him in.''
The housekeeper left the room, but speedily reappeared, followed by her nephew, who seemed a little abashed.
``My nephew, Thomas Bradley, Mr. Wharton,'' said his aunt, by way of introduction. ``You have often heard me speak of Mr. Wharton, Thomas.''
``How do you do, sir?'' said Thomas awkwardly.
``Pray take a seat, Mr. Bradley. Your aunt has been long a member of my family. I am glad to see a nephew of hers. I believe you are a salesman at Gilbert & Mack's?''
``Yes, sir.''
``Then you must know my young friend here?'' pointing to Frank.
``How are you, Cash?'' said Thomas, laughing, under the impression that he had said something smart.
``Very well, Mr. Bradley,'' answered Frank, quietly.
``You see, that's all the name we call 'em in the store,'' said Thomas.
Mr. Wharton could not help thinking:
``How poorly this young man compares with my young friend. Still, as he is Mrs. Bradley's nephew, I must be polite to him.''
``Are there many cash-boys in your establishment, Mr. Bradley?''
``About a dozen. Ain't there, Fowler?''
``I believe so, Mr. Bradley.''
``Gilbert & Mack do a good business, I should judge.''
``Yes, they do; but that doesn't do us poor salesmen much good. We get just enough to keep soul and body together.''
``I am sorry to hear it,'' said Mr. Wharton.
``Why, sir,'' said Thomas, gaining confidence, ``all they pay me is twelve dollars a week. How can they expect a fellow to live on that?''
``I began my career about your age,'' said Mr. Wharton, ``or perhaps a little younger, and had to live on but six dollars a week.''
``Didn't you come near starving?'' he asked.
``On the contrary, I saved a little every week.''
``I can't,'' said Thomas, a little discomfited. ``Why, it takes half that to dress decently.''
Mr. Wharton glanced quietly at the rather loud and flashy dress worn by his visitor, but only said:
``A small salary, of course, makes economy necessary.''
``But when a fellow knows he earns a good deal more than he gets, he doesn't feel like starving himself just that his employers may grow rich.''
``Of course, if he can better himself they cannot object.''
``That's just what I want to do,'' said Thomas; ``but I expect I need influence to help me to something better. That's a good hint,'' thought he.
``I was telling Thomas,'' said the housekeeper, ``that you had kindly expressed a desire to be of service to him.''
``I am not now in active business,'' said Mr. Wharton, ``and of course have not the opportunities I formerly had for helping young men, but I will bear your case in mind, Mr. Bradley.''
``Thank you, sir,'' said Thomas. ``I am sure I earn a thousand dollars a year.''
``I think, Thomas,'' said Mrs. Bradley, ``we won't intrude on Mr. Wharton longer this evening. When he finds something for you he will tell me.''
``All right, aunt. Good-night, Mr. Wharton. Good- night,