Had he suspected that this very recommendation was forged, he would have been angry. Now, however, he felt quite the reverse; and decided to give Herbert a hearing more as a matter of courtesy than otherwise, for he had practically settled upon young Mortimer for the position in his banking house.
Felix saw this and could hardly restrain his happiness, as he saw pictured on the young Vermonter’s face unmistakable discomfiture.
“Well, you may be seated,” said Mr. Goldwin; “I wish to see what this young man has to say for himself before engaging any one.”
“So you came from Vermont, right from the farm?” said the banker to Herbert, after a few minutes’ conversation.
“Yes, sir,” returned young Randolph.
“And I suppose you expect to make your fortune in this city?”
“I have not got so far along as that yet, sir. I hope, however, that I shall do well here.”
“You look like a plucky lad, and those red cheeks of yours are worth a fortune. I remember well when mine were as full of rich young blood as yours are now. I was a country lad myself.”
“Then your career shows that a boy from the country may make a success.”
“Yes, that is very true. Many of our most successful men came from the farm; but I assure you, my boy, that success is not an easy thing to pick up in a big city. The chances are a hundred to one against any boy who comes here from the country. If, however, he does not succumb to temptation, and has sufficient pluck and perseverance, he can do well in this city.”