“I’m sorry, too,” said Tom frankly, “but, of course, I understood when you hired me that it was for the holiday season. I only hoped you could keep me.”
“So did I, but I find I can not. Your week will not be up until Saturday, but as there will be little to do, you need not come in that day, nor Friday, though I will pay you for a full week. Here is the money. Now if you want a reference, to get another position, call on me. I will be glad to speak a good word for you.”
“Thank you, Mr. Townsend.”
“I think you can get work, somewhere,” went on the bookseller. “I wish I could keep you, but I can’t. Times are too dull. Good-night, Tom.”
Tom went home with a heavy heart, in spite of the fact that it was Christmas morning, and that a book had been presented to him. He was out of work, and he did not know where to look for a situation.
CHAPTER VII
LOOKING FOR A SITUATION
“Merry Christmas!” called Mrs. Baldwin, as she knocked on Tom’s door that morning. “Merry Christmas, Tom!”
“Merry Christmas, mother!” he answered. He hurriedly dressed, trying to keep up a cheerful spirit, but it was hard work. He went downstairs, and handed to his mother and aunt each a pretty little booklet, which he had purchased at the Emporium at reduced prices.
“Oh, Tom!” exclaimed his mother, “why didn’t you save your money? I haven’t been able to get anything for you except some new socks. You needed them very much.”
“Indeed I did, mother, and I couldn’t have anything better,” answered the boy, giving his mother a hug and a kiss.