In the meantime the circulation of the Banner was increasing by leaps and bounds. The job printing office was going at full speed. This condition of affairs began to show itself in the accounts. Noah Brooks, who was beginning to improve in health, noticed it with evident satisfaction.
“Herbert,” he said when the young man visited him one day, “I am satisfied that you have made good. I have resolved to make your salary ten dollars a week. Probably you are worth more than that, but it is all I can do at present.”
“It will be gratefully accepted,” replied Herbert. “It is a proof that you are satisfied with my work, and that is compensation in itself.”
During this time the young man, who was soon to celebrate his twenty-first birthday, had not neglected to advance himself in the art of writing. He felt that this was to be his trade, and that if a man devoted years to the work of becoming a proficient carpenter or bricklayer there was no reason why he should not also give time and study to the work of learning to write. He had left school, but Mr. Anderson, who had been his devoted friend from the time he had routed the other boys from the schoolhouse on “barring out day,” very kindly offered to give him a special course of instruction in English composition. By this means the long winter passed away very quickly, and Herbert advanced rapidly in his chosen business.
One evening when Herbert came home from his studies, a little earlier than usual, he found Mary Black in the parlor with his mother. After the usual cordial greetings she said timidly:
“I hope you have forgiven us for the dreadful things that occurred before your father’s death.”
“We have nothing to forgive you for, Mary,” said Herbert gently. “If there has been any obligation it is entirely on our side. I am sure that neither mother nor I can ever forget your kindness.”
She flushed a little at this, and then after some hesitancy, said:
“It’s not that. I know you have only kind feelings toward me. But I want you to be charitable to father and—and to Arthur.”
She hung her head, and Herbert, a trifle embarrassed, made no reply. He glanced up and noticed that her eyes were red and her face careworn. His mother noticed the look, and quickly stepped in the breach.