"Well, after all, my good old aunt has money, more than people imagine, I dare say!" cried the boy, brightening up.
"What, the old lady in the market? Take my advice, Robert, and never mention her."
"And why not?" questioned the boy.
"Because selling turnips and cabbage sprouts might not be considered the most aristocratic way of making money among your fellow clerks."
The boy changed countenance; his eye kindled and his lip began to curve.
"I shall never be ashamed of my aunt, sir. She is a good, generous woman——"
"No doubt, no doubt. Go and proclaim her good qualities among your companions, and see the result. For my part, I think the state of society which makes any honest occupation a cause of reproach, is to be condemned by all honorable men. But you and I, Robert, cannot hope to change the present order of things, and without the power to remedy we have only to submit. So take my advice and never talk of that fine old huckster-woman among your fellow clerks."
Robert was silent. He stood gazing upon the floor, his cheeks hot with wounded feeling, and his eyes half full of tears. When he spoke again there was trouble in his voice.
"Thank you for the advice, Mr. Leicester, though I must say it seems rather cold-hearted. I will go now; excuse me for keeping you up so late."