“I thought I didn’t give the wrong number,” mused the boy. “I hope I don’t do anything more to annoy Mr. Cutler. He seems to get angry very easily.”
Tom was glad when it was time to go home, and he found his mother and aunt ready to welcome him, for Charley had told them the good news.
“I’m so glad!” exclaimed Mrs. Baldwin. “This is the best place you’ve had yet.”
“And so refined,” added Miss Ramsey. “I always wanted a lawyer in the family, and now Tom has a chance to be one.”
“I’m afraid it will be a good many years before I can learn law over the switchboard, Aunt Sallie.”
“Oh, but you will have opportunities. I think it is better to be a lawyer than a bookseller.”
“Especially as I haven’t any chance to become a bookseller,” added Tom with a laugh. “Well, mother, is there anything I can do for you?”
“Yes, Tom; I have just finished some sewing for Mrs. Crawford Leeth. I wish you would take it home, when I have made out the bill. I think she will pay you, for she owes me for some other work, and she promised to settle for it all when I sent this waist home. So please ask her, if she doesn’t offer to give you the money.”
“I will, mother. I suppose I’d better not sit on this, in case the car is crowded,” he added with a smile.
“Mercy sakes, no!” exclaimed his aunt. “It has some valuable lace on it. Be very careful of it, Tom.”