The funeral was over. Mr. Drummond, as indeed his relationship permitted, was one of the principal mourners. Considering that he had not seen Mr. Conrad for five years preceding his death, nor during that time communicated with him in any way, he appeared to be very much overcome by grief. He kept his eyes covered with a large white handkerchief, and his movements indicated suppressed agitation. He felt that this was a tribute due to a cousin who had left over one hundred thousand dollars.
When they had returned from the grave, Mr. Drummond managed to have a word with Walter.
"Have you decided to accept my offer, and make your home beneath my humble roof?" he asked.
"There has been no time to consult with my friends here, Mr. Drummond. I will let you knownext week. I thank you at any rate for your kindness."
"Do come, Walter," said his cousin, twisting his mean features into an affectionate smile. "With you beneath my humble roof, I shall want nothing to complete my happiness."
Walter thanked him again, wondering at the same time why Mr. Drummond's kindness did not affect him more sensibly.
So Jacob Drummond went back to Stapleton, still ignorant of the state of Mr. Conrad's affairs, and still regarding Walter as a boy of great wealth.
When the will was opened it was found to bear date two years back, before Mr. Conrad had plunged into the speculation which had proved so disastrous to him. He bequeathed all the property which he did possess to Walter, with the exception of five hundred dollars, which were left as a legacy to his faithful house-keeper, Nancy Forbes. At the time the will was made, its provisions made Walter heir to a large fortune. Now it was quite uncertain how things would turn out. Clement Shaw, the villagelawyer, an honest and upright man, was made executor, being an old and tried friend of the deceased.
With him Walter had a long and confidential conversation, imparting to him what he knew of his father's mining speculation and its disastrous result, with its probable effect in accelerating his death.
"I knew something of this before, Walter," said Mr. Shaw. "Your father spoke to me of being largely interested in the Great Metropolitan Mining Company; but of the company itself and the extent to which he was involved I knew nothing."
"I think my father must have been very seriously involved," said Walter. "It may, perhaps, swallow up the whole property."
"Let us hope not. Indeed, I can hardly believe that your father would have ventured in so deep as that."
"He had every confidence in the company; he thought he was going to double his money. If only a part of his property was threatened, I don't think it would have had such an effect upon him."
"I will thoroughly examine into the affair," said Mr. Shaw. "Meanwhile, Walter, hope for the best!It can hardly be that the whole property is lost. Do not be too anxious."
"Do not fear for me on that account," said Walter. "I always looked forward to being rich, it is true, but I can bear poverty. If the worst comes, and I am penniless, I am strong, and can work. I can get along as well as thousands of other boys, who have to support themselves."
Walter did not speak boastfully, but in a calm, confident way, that argued a consciousness of power.
"Yes," said the lawyer, regarding him attentively, "I think you are right there. You are just the boy who can make his own way; but I hope you will not be obliged to do so."
"There is one thing I want to say, Mr. Shaw," said Walter, "and that is about the money my father leaves in his will to Nancy."
"The circumstances were different. She will not expect it now; that is, of course, unless things turn out more favorably than we fear."
"That is not what I mean. Nancy must have the money, if there is so much left after settling the estate."
"But suppose only five hundred dollars are left? Of course I hope it will be much more, but we must think of all contingencies."
"If only five hundred dollars are left, let Nancy have them."
"But, Walter, consider yourself."
"I am young and strong. Nancy has spent her best years in my father's service, and she is no longer young. It is right that she should have some provision. Besides, my father meant her to have it, and I want to carry out his wishes."
"This is all very generous, Walter; but I am afraid it is inconsiderate. It would not be your father's wish to provide even for Nancy, however faithful she may have been, at the expense of his son."
"It is right," said Walter. "Besides, Mr. Shaw, I find that Nancy had laid up six hundred dollars, which she had deposited in my father's hands. That also must be paid, if there is enough to pay it; if not, I will take it upon myself to pay whenever I am able."
"You're an excellent boy, Walter," said Mr.Shaw. "I always had a good opinion of you, and I find it is more than deserved. I honor you for the resolution you have expressed, though I cannot quite agree with you about the five hundred dollars. As to the debt, that must be paid, if there is money enough to pay it. But we can leave the further discussion of this question for the present. Now let us consider what is to become of you in the mean time. You were at the Essex Classical Institute, I believe?"
"Yes, sir."
"You would like to go back again, I suppose."
"No, Mr. Shaw. It is an expensive school, and while it is uncertain how my father's affairs will come out, I should not feel justified in going there."
"Perhaps you are right. Of course you cannot stay here, and keep house by yourself. I would invite you to my own house, but my wife is an invalid, and I have to consider her in the matter."
"Thank you, Mr. Shaw; but I think perhaps I had better accept the offer of Mr. Drummond, of Stapleton. He invites me to make my home at hishouse, and, for the present, perhaps, that will be the best arrangement."
"I am not acquainted with Mr. Drummond. He is a relation, I believe."
"Yes, he is my father's cousin, and so, of course, my second cousin."
"I think I saw him at the funeral."
"Yes, he was present."
Mr. Shaw had seen Jacob Drummond, and had not been very favorably impressed by his appearance. Still, his offer was not one to be hastily rejected, for no better reason than a little prejudice, which might prove unfounded. Accordingly he said, "Well, Walter, as you say, I am not sure whether this may not be the best arrangement for you, that is, for the present. If you don't like to stay at Stapleton, you can write me, and I will see what I can do for you."
"Thank you, Mr. Shaw."
Nancy was much troubled at the thought of parting from Walter, whom she had known from his infancy; but a situation was immediately offered her in the village, and Walter promised to take her as his house-keeper whenever he had a home of his own, andthis comforted her, although it was likely to be a long time first, since our hero was at present but fifteen.
"Your six hundred dollars shall be paid, Nancy," said Walter, "as soon as father's affairs are settled."
"Don't bother yourself about that, Master Walter," said Nancy. "I've got fifty dollars in my trunk, and I don't need the other at all. I can wait for it five years."
"It won't be necessary to wait as long as that, Nancy."
"And so you are going to that Mr. Drummond's? I'm sorry for it. I don't like the man's looks at all."
"He may be a good man. He was kind to invite me."
"He isn't a good man," said Nancy, positively. "He's got a mean sort of look to his face."
"You mustn't try to prejudice me before I go to him, Nancy."
"You'll think as I do before you've been there a week," said Nancy, shaking her head. "I took a good look at him when he was here, and I didn't like his looks."
"He isn't very handsome," said Walter, smiling; "but everybody can't be handsome."
Secretly he did not wonder much at Nancy's prejudice. Mr. Drummond certainly was a mean-looking man. How he could be so nearly related to his father, who was a generous, open-handed, and open-hearted man, was surprising. Still Walter was just enough to reserve his judgment until his opportunities of judging were greater than at present.
He wrote a brief letter to Stapleton, to the following effect:—
"Mr. Drummond:—"Dear Sir:—I will accept the invitation you were kind enough to extend to me, for the present, at least, and will come to Stapleton about the middle of next week. You are the only relation of my father that I know of, and I think it would be his wish that I should go to you. If it should be inconvenient for you to receive me at that time, please write me at once."Yours, respectfully,"Walter Conrad."
"Mr. Drummond:—
"Dear Sir:—I will accept the invitation you were kind enough to extend to me, for the present, at least, and will come to Stapleton about the middle of next week. You are the only relation of my father that I know of, and I think it would be his wish that I should go to you. If it should be inconvenient for you to receive me at that time, please write me at once.
"Yours, respectfully,"Walter Conrad."
In return, Walter received a letter couched in the most cordial terms, in which Mr. Drummond signed himself, "Your affectionate cousin." He was delighted, he said, to think that he was about to receive, under his humble roof, the son of his revered and lamented cousin.
"Mrs. Drummond," said her husband, "young Mr. Conrad will be here by four o'clock this afternoon. You will have a nice supper ready at five."
"Shall I have cake and pie both?" inquired Mrs. Drummond, doubtfully.
"Certainly. Indeed, it may be as well to have two kinds of pie, say apple and pumpkin; and, as we have not had hot biscuit for some time, you may bake some."
Mrs. Drummond looked at her husband as if she had doubts as to his sanity. Such a luxurious meal was quite unheard of in the Drummond household.
"Cake, two kinds of pie, and hot biscuit!" she repeated.
"Yes," he replied. "I am not in general in favor of such extra living, but it is well to pay some respect to the memory of my deceased kinsman inthe person of his son. Being the son of a rich man, he has been accustomed to rich living, and I wish him, on his advent into our family, to feel at home."
Mrs. Drummond prepared to obey her husband's directions with alacrity.
"Joshua will get a good supper for once," she thought, thinking more of her son than of the stranger who was to enter the family. "How surprised he will be to see such a variety on the table!"
Not that Joshua was strictly confined to the spare diet of his father's table. Through his mother's connivance there was generally an extra piece of pie or cake in the pantry laid aside for him. Had Mr. Drummond suspected this, he would have been very angry; but, being at the store the greater portion of the time, he was not aware of the extra indulgence.
Mr. Drummond himself met Walter at the depot.
"I am delighted to welcome you to Stapleton, my young friend," he said, shaking his hand cordially. "In the affliction which has come upon you, let me hope that you will find a haven of rest beneath my humble roof."
"I wonder why he always speaks of his 'humbleroof,'" thought Walter. "Does he live in a shanty, I wonder?"
He made suitable acknowledgments, and proceeded to walk beside Mr. Drummond to the house which he termed humble.
It did not deserve that name, being a substantial two-story house, rather ugly architecturally, but comfortable enough in appearance.
"That is my humble dwelling," said Mr. Drummond, pointing it out. "It is not equal to the splendid mansion in which you have been accustomed to live, for my worldly circumstances differ widely from those of your late lamented parent; but I trust that in our humble way we shall be enabled to make you comfortable."
"Thank you, Mr. Drummond; I have no doubt of that. Your house looks very comfortable."
"Yes, it is plain and humble, but comfortable. We are plain people. We are not surrounded by the appliances of wealth, but we manage, in our humble way, to get through life. That is my son Joshua, who is looking out of the front window. I hope youmay become good friends, considering how nearly you are related."
Walter raised his eyes, and saw Joshua, whose small, mean features, closely resembling his father's, expressed considerable curiosity. Walter secretly doubted whether he should like him; but this doubt he kept to himself.
Mr. Drummond opened the outer door, and led the way in.
"This is my wife, Mrs. Drummond," he said, as she approached, and kindly welcomed the young stranger.
"I think I shall like her," thought Walter, suffering his glance to rest for a moment on her mild, placid features; "she is evidently quite superior to her husband."
"Joshua, come here and welcome Mr. Conrad," said his father.
Joshua came forward awkwardly, and held out his hand with the stiffness of a pump-handle.
"How dy do?" he said. "Just come?"
"Yes," said Walter, accepting the hand, and shaking it slightly.
"Are you tired with your journey, Mr. Conrad?" asked Mrs. Drummond. "Perhaps you would like to be shown to your room."
"Thank you," said Walter. "I will go up for a few minutes."
"Where are you going to put our young friend, Mrs. Drummond?"
"In the spare chamber."
"That is right. You will find some difference, Mr. Conrad, between our humble accommodations and the sumptuous elegance of your own home; but we will try and make it up by a hearty welcome."
"I wish he wouldn't use the wordhumbleso much," thought Walter.
Walter went upstairs, preceded by Mr. Drummond, who insisted on carrying his carpet-bag, for his trunk would not arrive till the next day, having been forwarded by express.
"I say, mother," remarked Joshua, "the old man's awfully polite to this young fellow."
"You shouldn't speak of your father in that way, Joshua."
"Oh, what's the odds? He is an old man, isn'the? I just wish he'd be as polite to me. I say, I hope he'll like his boarding-place. What are you going to have for supper?"
"Hot biscuit, cake, and two kinds of pie."
"Whew! won't the old man look like a thundercloud?"
"That's what he told me to get. You do your father injustice, Joshua."
Mrs. Drummond knew in her secret heart that her husband was intensely mean; but she was one of those who like to think as well as possible of every one, and was glad of an opportunity to prove that he could, on rare occasions, be more generous.
"Father's brain must be softening," said Joshua, after recovering in a measure from his astonishment. "I hope it will be permanent. Isn't supper most ready?"
"At five o'clock, Joshua."
"This young chap's got a lot of money, I suppose, and the governor's after some of it. That explains the matter."
"I wish you wouldn't speak so disrespectfully of your father, Joshua."
"I won't if he'll keep on as he's begun. I'm glad this young Conrad has come to board here. I'm going to get thick with him."
"He seems like a very nice boy," said Mrs. Drummond.
"I don't care what sort of a boy he is, as long as he's got the tin. I'm going to make him treat."
"You must be considerate of his feelings, Joshua. Remember that he has just lost his father."
"Suppose he has, there's no need of looking glum about it."
Had Jacob Drummond died, Joshua would have borne the loss with the greatest fortitude. Of that there was no doubt. Indeed, he would rather have hailed the event with joy, if, as he expressed it, the "old man did the right thing," and left him the bulk of his property. Though such feelings did not do Joshua much credit, it must be said in extenuation that his father was far from being a man to inspire affection in any one, however nearly related.
At five o'clock they sat down to supper.
"I hope, Mr. Conrad," said Jacob, "you will be able to relish our humble repast."
"Humble again!" thought Walter. He was about to say that everything looked very nice, when Joshua broke in.
"If you call this humble, I don't know what you'd say to the suppers we commonly have."
Mr. Drummond, who desired, for this day, at least, to keep up appearances, frowned with vexation.
"Joshua," he said, "I desire that you will act in a more gentlemanly way, or else leave the table."
As leaving the table on the present occasion would have been, indeed, a deprivation, Joshua thought it wise not to provoke his father too far, at any rate until after he had made sure of his supper. He therefore left most of the conversation to his father.
"Have you ever been in Stapleton before, Mr. Conrad?" asked Mr. Drummond.
"No, sir; never."
"It is not a large place, but it is growing; the people are plain, but they have kind hearts. I hope you may like the town after a while."
"Thank you, sir; I have no doubt I shall."
"If you feel inclined for a walk, Joshua will go out with you after supper, and show you themill-dam, the church, and the school-house. He will also point out the store—it is only across the way—where, in my humble way, I try to earn a living. I shall be very glad if you will come in and take a look inside. I may be busy, for work has accumulated during my absence, but Joshua will show you around."
"Thank you, sir."
"Will you have another cup of tea, Mr. Conrad?" asked Mrs. Drummond.
"Thank you."
"May I ask, Mr. Conrad,—excuse my intruding the question,—who is left executor of your father's estate?"
"Mr. Shaw, the lawyer in our village."
"Is he? Do you have confidence in him?"
"He is an excellent man, very honest and upright. He was an intimate friend of my father."
"Ah, indeed! I am glad of it. Then he will consult your interests."
"Yes, sir, I feel quite safe in his hands."
"I am so glad to hear you say so. So many lawyers, you know, are tricky."
"Mr. Shaw is not tricky."
"We have no lawyer here," pursued Mr. Drummond. "You will perhaps be surprised to hear it, but my humble services are frequently called into requisition, in administering and settling estates."
"Indeed, sir."
"Yes; but I am glad you have got a man you can trust. Mrs. Drummond, I think Mr. Conrad will have another piece of pie."
Supper was over at length, and Walter, by invitation, went out to walk with Joshua.
Walter did not anticipate a very pleasant walk with Joshua. The little he had seen of that young man did not prepossess him in his favor. However, having no other way of spending his time, he had no objection to the walk.
"That's the old man's store just across the street," said Joshua, as they emerged from the house.
"Your father's?"
"Of course. Don't you see the name on the sign?" Walter did see it, but never having been accustomed to speak of his own father as "the old man," he was not quite sure he apprehended Joshua's meaning.
"You were an only child, weren't you?" said Joshua.
"Yes," said Walter, soberly.
He could not help thinking what a comfort it wouldhave been to him to have either brother or sister. He would have felt less alone in the world.
"So am I," said Joshua; adding, complacently, "Between you and I, the old man has laid up quite a snug sum. Of course it'll all come to me some day."
"I am glad to hear it," said Walter, rather wondering that Joshua should have made such a communication to a comparative stranger.
"To hear the old man talk," pursued Joshua, "you'd think he was awful poor. He's stingy enough about everything in the house. There isn't a family in town that don't live better than we do."
"I thought we had a very good supper," said Walter, who experienced not a little disgust at Joshua's charges against his father.
"That was because you were with us. The old man laid himself out for the occasion."
"I am sorry if any difference was made on my account."
"Well, I aint. It's the first decent supper I've eaten at home since the Sewing Circle met at our house three years ago."
"Is that the church?" asked Walter, desirous of diverting the conversation into another channel.
"Yes, that's the old meeting-house. I hate to go there. The minister's an old fogy."
"What is that I see through the trees? Is it a river?"
"No, it's a pond."
"Do you ever go out on it?"
"Not very often. I tried to get the old man to buy me a boat, but he wouldn't do it. He's too stingy."
"I wouldn't talk so about your father."
"Why not?"
"Because he is entitled to your respect."
"I don't know about that. If he'd treat me as he ought to, I'd treat him accordingly. He never gives me a cent if he can help it. Now how much do you think he allows me a week for spending money?"
"I can't tell."
"Only fifty cents, and I'm eighteen years old. Isn't that mean?"
"It isn't a very large sum."
"Of course not. He ought to give me five dollarsa week, and then I'd buy my own clothes. Now I have to take up with what I can get. He wanted to have his old overcoat, that he'd worn three winters, made over for me; but I wouldn't stand it. I told him I'd go without first."
Though these communications did not raise Joshua in the estimation of Walter, the latter could not help thinking that there was probably some foundation for what was said, and the prejudice against Mr. Drummond, for which he had blamed himself as without cause, began to find some extenuation.
"When I talk to the old man about his stinting me so," continued Joshua, "he tells me to go to work and earn some money."
"Why don't you do it?"
"He wants me to go into his store, but he wouldn't pay me anything. He offered me a dollar and a half a week; but I wasn't going to work ten or twelve hours a day for no such sum. If I could get a light, easy place in the city, say at ten dollars a week, I'd go. There aint any chance in Stapleton for a young man of enterprise."
"I've thought sometimes," said Walter, "that Ishould like to get a place in the city; but I suppose I couldn't get enough at first to pay my board."
"You get a place!" exclaimed Joshua, in astonishment. "I thought you was going to college."
"Father intended I should; but his death will probably change my plans."
"I don't see why."
"It is expensive passing through college; I cannot afford it."
"Oh, that's all humbug. You're talking like the old man."
"How do you know that it is humbug?" demanded Walter, not very well pleased with his companion's tone.
"Why, you're rich. The old man told me that your father left a hundred thousand dollars. You're the only son; you told me so yourself."
"Your father is mistaken."
"What, wasn't your father rich?" asked Joshua, opening his small eyes in amazement.
"My father was unfortunate enough to get involved in a speculation, by which he lost heavily. I can'ttell how his affairs stand till they are settled. I may be left penniless."
"Do you mean that?" asked Joshua, stopping short and facing his companion.
"I generally mean what I say," said Walter, rather stiffly.
Joshua's answer was a low whistle of amazement.
"Whew!" he said. "That's the biggest joke I've heard of lately;" and he followed up this remark by a burst of merriment.
Walter surveyed him with surprise. He certainly did not know what to make of Joshua's conduct.
"I don't see any joke about it," he said. "I don't complain of being poor, for I think I can earn my own living; but it doesn't strike me as a thing to laugh at."
"I was laughing to think how the old man is taken in. It's rich!"
Joshua burst into another fit of boisterous laughter.
"How is he taken in?"
"He thinks you're worth a hundred thousanddollars," said Joshua, going off in another peal of merriment.
"Well, he is mistaken, that's all. I don't see how he is taken in."
"He's been doing the polite, and treating you as if you was a prince of the blood. That's the reason he told the old woman to get up such a nice supper, he expected to get you to take him for a guardian, and then he'd have the handling of your money. Won't he be mad when he finds out how he's been taken in? Giving you the best room too! Are you sure that none of the property will be left?"
"Probably not much."
That Walter listened with mortification and disgust to what Joshua had told him about his father's selfish designs, is only what might be expected. It is always disagreeable to find out the meanness of those whom you have supposed kind to you for your own sake. This, to Walter, who had been accustomed to an atmosphere of kindness, was a painful discovery. It was his first experience of the coldness and hollowness of the world, and to the sensitivenature of youth this first revelation is very painful and very bitter.
"I am sorry to think that your father made such a mistake," he said, coldly. "I will take care to undeceive him."
"What! You're not going to tell him, are you?"
"Certainly. I meant to do so; but I did not suppose he invited me just because he thought I was rich."
"What for, then?"
"Being my father's cousin and nearest relation, it didn't seem very strange that he should have invited me on that account."
"The old man's a shrewd one," said Joshua, rather admiringly. "He knows which way his bread is buttered. He don't lay himself out for no poor relations, not if he knows it."
"I am sorry if he has laid himself out for me under a mistake."
"I aint. It's a good joke on the old man. Besides, we all got a better supper by it. Don't you tell him about it till to-morrow."
"Why not?"
"Because, if you do, we'll have a mean breakfast as usual. I just want him to think you're rich a little while longer, so we can have something decent for once."
"I don't feel willing to deceive your father any longer. I have not willingly deceived him at all."
"You're a fool then!"
"Look here," said Walter, flushing a little, "I don't allow anybody to call me by that name."
"No offence," said Joshua, whose physical courage was not very great. "I didn't mean anything, of course, except that it was foolish to blurt it all out to-night, when there isn't any need of it. There isn't such an awful hurry, is there?"
"I would rather your father knew at once."
"To-morrow will be soon enough."
"At any rate I shall tell him to-morrow, then. But I've got tired walking. Suppose we go back."
"Just as you say."
They went back together. Mr. Drummond was in the store, but Mrs. Drummond was at home.
"You didn't go far," she said. "But I suppose you were tired, Mr. Conrad."
"A little," answered Walter.
"I wonder," thought our hero, "whether she will change as soon as she finds out that I am poor?" Somehow he felt that she would not. She seemed very different from her husband and son, and Walter was inclined to like her better.
Joshua went out again soon, not having much taste for staying at home; and, as Walter retired early, he did not see either him or his father again till the next morning at breakfast.
Joshua's anticipations of a good breakfast were realized. As he entered the room where the table was set, he saw a dish of beefsteak, another of fried potatoes, and some hot biscuit. This with coffee was very much better than the breakfast usually provided in the Drummond household.
Joshua burst into a fresh fit of laughter, thinking how his father had been taken in.
"What's the matter, Joshua?" asked his mother, who was the only one in the room besides himself.
"Oh, it's the richest joke, mother!"
"What is?" asked Mrs. Drummond, perplexed.
"I can't tell you now, but you'll find out pretty soon. Ho, ho!"
And Joshua commenced to laugh again.
"Has Mr. Conrad come downstairs?"
"I haven't seen Mr. Conrad this morning,"answered Joshua, imitating his mother's tone in repeating the name.
Just then Walter entered, and said "Good-morning."
"Good-morning, Mr. Conrad," said Mrs. Drummond. "I hope you slept well."
"Very well, thank you," said Walter.
Mr. Drummond here entered from the street, having been for an hour in the store opposite.
"Good-morning, Mr. Conrad," he said. "I trust you rested well, and can do justice to our humble repast. I have been in the store an hour. We who are not endowed with the gifts of Fortune must be early astir."
Joshua tried to suppress a laugh, but not with entire success.
"What are you snickering at, Joshua?" demanded Mr. Drummond, in a displeased tone. "I don't know what Mr. Conrad will think of your manners."
"You'll excuse them, won't you, Mr. Conrad?" asked Joshua, beginning to chuckle again.
Knowing very well the source of his amusement, and feeling his own position to be an awkward one,Walter was all the more resolved to impart to Mr. Drummond without delay the posture of his father's affairs. He did not answer Joshua's appeal.
"I don't see what has got into you this morning, Joshua," said Mrs. Drummond, mildly. "You seem in very good spirits."
"So I am," said Joshua, with a grin.
His father suspected that the unusual excellence of the breakfast had something to do with Joshua's mirth, and was afraid he would let out something about it. This made him a little nervous, as he wanted to keep up appearances before his young guest.
Walter's appetite was not very good. His father's death weighed heavily upon him, and Joshua's revelation of the night before was not calculated to cheer him. It was mortifying to think that Mr. Drummond's gracious manner was entirely owing to his supposed wealth; but of this he entertained little doubt. He was anxious to have the truth known, no matter how unfavorably it might affect his position with the Drummonds. There were some, he knew, whose kindness did not depend on his reputedwealth. "You have a poor appetite, Mr. Conrad," said Mr. Drummond. "Let me give you another piece of steak."
"No, I thank you," said Walter.
"I'll take another piece, father," said Joshua.
"I have already helped you twice," said his father, frowning.
"I'm hungry this morning," said Joshua, who, knowing that he could not expect another as good breakfast, determined to do full justice to this.
"If you are, you need not overeat yourself," said Mr. Drummond, depositing on his son's outstretched plate a square inch of meat.
Joshua coolly helped himself to fried potatoes, and appropriated a hot biscuit, much to his father's annoyance. He resolved to give Joshua a private hint that he must be more sparing in his eating. He did not like to speak before Walter, desiring to keep up with him the character of a liberal man. Joshua understood his father's feelings, and it contributed to the enjoyment which he felt at the thought of how richly his father was sold.
At length breakfast was over.
"I must go back to the store," said Mr. Drummond. "Joshua will look after you, Mr. Conrad. I hope you will be able to pass the time pleasantly."
"If you can spare me five minutes, Mr. Drummond, I should like to speak to you in private," said Walter, determined to put an end to the misunderstanding at once.
"Certainly. I can spare five or ten minutes, or more, Mr. Conrad. Won't you walk into the parlor?"
The parlor was a very dreary-looking room, dark, cold, and cheerless. A carpet, of an ugly pattern, covered the floor; there was a centre-table in the middle of the room with a few books that were never opened resting upon it. Half-a-dozen cane-bottomed chairs stood about the room, and there were besides a few of the stock articles usually to be found in country parlors, including a very hard, inhospitable-looking sofa. As the Drummonds did not have much company, this room was very seldom used.
"Take a seat, Mr. Conrad," said Mr. Drummond, seating himself.
Mr. Drummond was far from anticipating the nature of Walter's communication. Indeed, he cherished a hope that our hero was about to ask his assistance in settling up the estate,—a request with which, it is needless to say, he would gladly have complied.
"I don't suppose you know how I am situated," Walter commenced. "I mean in relation to my father's estate."
"I suppose it was all left to you, and very properly. I congratulate you on starting in the world under such good auspices. I don't, of course, know how much your father left, but—"
"It is not certain that my father left anything," said Walter, thinking it best to reveal every thing at once.
"What!" exclaimed Mr. Drummond, his lower jaw falling, and looking very blank.
"My father made some investments recently that turned out badly."
"But he was worth a very large property,—it can't all be lost."
"I am afraid there will be very little left, ifanything. He lost heavily by some mining stock, which he bought at a high figure, and which ran down to almost nothing."
"There's the house left, at any rate."
"My father borrowed its value, I understand; I am afraid that must go too."
Now, at length, it flashed upon Mr. Drummond how he had been taken in. He thought of the attentions he had lavished upon Walter, of the extra expense he had incurred, and all as it appeared for a boy likely to prove penniless. He might even expect to live upon him. These thoughts, which rapidly succeeded each other, mortified and made him angry.
"Why didn't you tell me this before, young man?" he demanded with asperity.
His change of tone and manner showed Walter that Joshua was entirely right in his estimate of his father's motives, and he in turn became indignant.
"When did you expect me to tell you, Mr. Drummond?" he said quickly. "I only arrived yesterday afternoon, and I tell you this morning. I would have told you last night, if you had been in the house."
"Why didn't you tell me when I was at Willoughby?"
"I had other things to think of," said Walter, shortly. "The thought of my father's death and of my loss shut out everything else."
"Well, what are you going to do?" asked Mr. Drummond, in a hard tone.
"I shall have to earn my own living," said Walter. "I am well and strong, and am not afraid."
"That is a good plan," said Mr. Drummond, who knew Walter so little as to fear that he wanted to become dependent upon him.
"When I was of your age I had my own living to earn. What do you propose to do?"
"Have you a vacancy for me in your store? Joshua told me you wished him to go in."
"You couldn't earn much, for you don't know anything of the business."
"I should not expect to. I am perfectly willing to work for my board until I find out how my father's affairs are going to turn out."
This proposal struck Mr. Drummond favorably. He judged that Walter would prove a valuableassistant when he was broken in, for it was easy to see that he had energy. Besides, it was desirable to keep him near until it was decided whether Mr. Conrad's affairs were really in as bad a state as his son represented. Even if a few thousand dollars were left, Mr. Drummond would like the handling of that sum. Then, again, no one knew better than Mr. Drummond that Walter's board would cost him very little; for, of course, he would at once return to his usual frugal fare.
"Very well," he said; "you can go into the store on those terms. As you say, you've got your own living to earn, and the sooner you begin the better."
Walter had not said this, but he agreed with Mr. Drummond.
It may be thought strange that our hero should have been willing to enter the employment of such a mean man; but he thought it wisest to remain in the neighborhood until he could learn something definite about his father's affairs. He prepared to go to work at once, partly because he didn't wish to be dependent, partly because he foresaw that he should be happier if employed.
When Mr. Drummond and Walter came out of the parlor, Joshua was waiting in the next room, and looked up eagerly to see how his father bore the communication. He was disappointed when he saw that Mr. Drummond looked much as usual.
"Conrad has been telling me," said Mr. Drummond, "that his father lost a good deal of money by speculation, and it is doubtful whether he has left any property."
"I am very sorry," said Mrs. Drummond; and Walter saw and appreciated her look of sympathy.
"As he will probably have to work for a living, he has asked for a place in my store," pursued Mr. Drummond, "and I have agreed to take him on trial. Conrad, you may get your hat and come over at once."
Joshua whistled in sheer amazement. The affair had by no means terminated as he anticipated.
Mr. Drummond's store was of fair size, and contained a considerable and varied stock of dry goods. Not only the people of Stapleton, but a considerable number of persons living outside the town limits, but within a radius of half-a-dozen miles, came there to purchase goods.
Besides Mr. Drummond there was a single salesman, a young man of twenty-two, who wore a cravat of immense size, and ostentatiously displayed in his bosom a mammoth breastpin, with a glass imitation diamond, which, had it been real, would have been equal in value to the entire contents of the store. This young man, whose name was Nichols, received from Mr. Drummond the munificent salary of four hundred dollars per annum. Having a taste for dress, he patronized the village tailor to the extentof his means, and considerably beyond, being at this moment thirty dollars in debt for the suit he wore.
Besides this young man, there had formerly been a younger clerk, receiving a salary of four dollars weekly. He had been dismissed for asking to have his pay raised to five dollars a week, and since then Mr. Drummond had got along with but one salesman. As, however, the business really required more assistance, he was quite willing to employ Walter on board wages, which he estimated would not cost him, at the most, more than two dollars a week.
"Mr. Nichols," said Mr. Drummond, "I have brought you some help. This is Walter Conrad, a distant relative." (Had Walter been rich, he would have been a near relative.) "He knows nothing of the business. You can take him in charge, and give him some idea about prices, and so forth."
"Yes, sir," said the young man, in an important tone. "I'll soon break him in."
Mr. Nichols, who gave up what little mind he had to the subject of clothes, began to inspect Walter's raiment. He had sufficient knowledge to perceive that our hero's suit was of fine fabric, and tastefullymade. That being the case, he concluded to pay him some attention.
"I'm glad you've come," he said. "I have to work like a dog. I'm pretty well used up to-day. I was up till two o'clock dancing."
"Were you?"
"Yes. There was a ball over to Crampton. I go to all the balls within ten miles. They can't do without me."
"Can't they?" asked Walter, not knowing what else to say.
"No. You see there isn't much style at these country balls,—I mean among the young men. They don't know how to dress. Now I give my mind to it, and they try to imitate me. I don't trust any tailor entirely. I just tell him what I want, and how I want it. Higgins, the tailor here, has improved a good deal since he began to make clothes for me."
"Indeed!"
"Where do you have your clothes made?"
"In Willoughby. That's where I have always lived till I came here."
"Is there a good tailor there?"
"I think so; but then I am not much of a judge."
Just then a customer came in, and Mr. Nichols was drawn away from his dissertation on dress.
"Just notice how I manage," he said in a low voice.
Accordingly Walter stood by and listened.
"Have you any calicoes that you can recommend?" asked the woman, who appeared to be poor.
"Yes, ma'am, we've got some of the best in the market,—some that will be sure to suit you."
He took from the shelves and displayed a very ugly pattern.
"I don't think I like that," she said. "Haven't you got some with a smaller figure?"
"The large figures are all the rage just now, ma'am. Everybody wears them."
"Is that so?" asked the woman, irresolutely.
"Fact, I assure you."
"How much is it a yard?"
"Fifteen cents only."
"Are you sure it will wash?"
"Certainly."
"I should like to look at something else."
"I'll show you something else, but this is the thing for you."
He brought out a piece still uglier; and finally, after some hesitation, his customer ordered ten yards from the first piece. He measured it with an air, and, folding it up, handed it to the customer, receiving in return a two-dollar bill, which the poor woman sighed as she rendered in, for she had worked hard for it.
"Is there anything more, ma'am?"
"A spool of cotton, No. 100."
When the customer had left the store, Nichols turned complacently to Walter.
"How did you like that calico?" he asked.
"It seemed to me very ugly."
"Wasn't it, though? It's been in the store five years. I didn't know as we should ever get rid of it."
"I thought you said it was all the rage."
"That's all gammon, of course."
"Haven't you got any prettier patterns?"
"Plenty."
"Why didn't you show them?"
"I wanted to get off the old rubbish first. It isn't everybody that would buy it; but she swallowed everything I said."
"She seemed like a poor woman, who couldn't afford to buy a dress very often."
"No, she doesn't come more than twice a year."
"I think you ought to have given her the best bargain you could."
"You don't understand the business, Walter," said Nichols, complacently.
"Mr. Drummond," he said, going up to his employer, "I've just sold ten yards of those old-style calicoes."
"Very good," said Mr. Drummond, approvingly. "Shove them off whenever you get a chance."
"If that is the way they do business, I shan't like it," thought Walter.
"You can fold up those goods on the counter, and put them back on the shelves," said Nichols. "Customers put us to a great deal of trouble that way sometimes. Mrs. Captain Walker was in yesterdayafternoon, and I didn't know but I should have to get down all the stock we had before we could suit her."
"Why didn't you pick out something, and tell her it was all the rage?" said Walter, smiling.
"That wouldn't go down with her. She's rich and she's proud. We have to be careful how we manage with such customers as she is. That reminds me that her bundle hasn't gone home yet. I'll get you to carry it up right away."
"I don't know where she lives."
"It's a large, square white house, about a quarter of a mile down the road, at the left hand. You can't miss it."
The bundle was produced, and Walter set off in the direction indicated. He had only gone a few rods when he overtook Joshua, who was sauntering along with a fishing-pole in his hand.
"Where are you going with that big bundle?" asked Joshua.
"To Mrs. Captain Walker's."
"I'll show you where it is. I'm going that way."
Joshua's manner was considerably less deferentialthan the day before, when he supposed Walter to be rich. Now he looked upon him as his father's hired boy.
"Isn't that bundle heavy?" he asked.
"Yes, rather heavy."
"I wouldn't be seen carrying such a bundle."
"Why not?"
"I feel above it."
"I don't."
"It's different with you—now I mean. My father's worth money, and I suppose you will be poor."
"I don't mean to be poor all my life, but I shall have to work for all the money I am worth."
"It'll take a good while to get rich that way. If your father hadn't lost his money, you could have fine times."
"I don't know about that. I never cared so much about inheriting money."
They were passing the village school-house. Through the open windows floated the strain of a song which the children were singing. This was the verse which the boys heard:—