“Why, mother,” said Rob, “is that you?”
“Yes, Rob. I came in on a shopping excursion, and I want you to go with me and take care of me.”
Rob grumbled a little, but, of course, acceded to his mother’s request. So Chester was left alone with Mr. Conrad.
“How do you feel about coming to New York, Chester?” asked his friend. “You are not afraid of failure, are you?”
“No, Mr. Conrad, I feel very hopeful. Something has happened to me to-day that encourages me very much.”
“What is it?”
Chester told the story of his meeting with Prof. Hazlitt, and the proposition which had been made to him.
“Why, this is famous,” exclaimed Conrad, looking pleased. “I know of Prof. Hazlitt, though I never met him. He was once professor in a Western college, but inheriting a fortune from his uncle, came to New York to pursue his favorite studies. He does not teach now, but, I believe, delivers an annual course of lectures before the students of Columbia College. He is a shrewd man, and the offer of employment from him is indeed a compliment. I am very glad you met him. He may throw other work in your way.”
“I hope I can give him satisfaction,” said Chester. “It makes me feel rich whenever I think of the sum I am to receive. Two hundred dollars is a good deal of money.”
“To a boy like you, yes. It doesn’t go very far with me now. It costs a good deal for me to live. How much do you think I have to pay for my room—without board?”