Harry Harding’s heart sank as he stood before Mr. Barton. It was evident from the frowning glance which the aisle manager bestowed upon him that he had recognized him, furthermore that he believed Harry to be the boy who had called him a crank.
“Let me see your card,” snapped Mr. Barton.
Harry instantly handed his card to the aisle manager.
“Your number’s 45; just remember that. When I call you, come on the jump. I’ve no time to waste on idle, disobedient boys. You are to stay at this exchange desk whenever you are not sent on an errand. If a customer brings an article into the store to be exchanged, on a cash sale, you are to wait until the exchange clerk makes out a credit slip. Then you must take the slip and the article to the department to be signed in stock. You are to do whatever the exchange clerk or I tell you to do, and you are to step lively. No grumbling or excuses.” He eyed Harry severely.
“I will try, sir,” Harry answered in quiet, respectful tones.
“You’ll have to do more than try, if you expect to stay at this desk,” retorted Mr. Barton. “Here, Miss Welch, is a new boy for you.” He addressed the young woman at the exchange desk, then stalked off down the aisle.
The girl smiled winningly at the lad, then said, “What’s your name, son?”
“Harry Harding, ma’am.” The smile went straight to Harry’s sore little heart. Keenly sensitive, the harsh words of the aisle manager had cut him to the quick. If only Teddy hadn’t made that unlucky remark, he thought mournfully. Then he could have started fairly with Mr. Barton. Now Mr. Barton believed him to be a rude and disrespectful boy, and would treat him accordingly until he proved that he was neither. Harry threw back his shoulders and made a firm resolution to win Mr. Barton’s good will. He would be prompt, courteous and obedient, and “in time” Mr. Barton would learn to trust him, perhaps like him.
Harry looked shyly at Miss Welch. He hoped she would like him. She was so pretty, with her big, blue eyes and pink cheeks, and how gracefully her thick, black hair curled about her forehead!