He was still more surprised when the next day at his lunch hour he was invited to the Dairy Kitchen by John Crandall. He did not care to accept, but John insisted upon it, and he thought it would be rude to refuse.
John chatted very pleasantly during the meal, and Andy was both surprised and pleased.
"Have you got a new place?" he asked.
"No, but uncle thinks he can get me one before long."
"I hope it will be a good one."
"Oh, I think it will," said John, showing his teeth and smiling significantly.
So passed several days, and Andy began to think that Mr. Rich had become his friend. But at length the storm broke.
One day, as he entered the store, he noticed that Simon Rich was looking grave and stern.
"Andrew," he said, without preface, "something very disagreeable has happened."
"What is it, Mr. Rich?"