“No; it will be better for you to secure a boarding place. You want to be economical for the present. How did you leave your mother?”
“Very well, thank you, Mr. Conrad. We have been very fortunate in securing a boarder who pays eight dollars a week, so that mother thinks she can get along for the present without help from me.”
“That is famous. Where did you get such a boarder in Wyncombe?”
“It is a lady, the cousin of Mr. Gardener, the lawyer. She will be company for mother.”
“It is an excellent arrangement. Now, boys, if you have finished, I will go up and settle the bill.”
As they left the restaurant, Mr. Conrad said:
“In honor of your arrival, I shall not work any more to-day. Now, shall we go back to my room, or would you like to take a walk and see something of the city?”
The unanimous decision was for the stroll.
Mr. Conrad walked down Broadway with the boys, pointing out any notable buildings on the way. Chester was dazzled. The great city exceeded his anticipations. Everything seemed on so grand a scale to the country boy, and with his joyous excitement there mingled the thought: “And I, too, am going to live here. I shall have a share in the great city, and mingle in its scenes every day.”
Rob was used to the city, and took matters quietly. He was not particularly impressed. Yet he could not help enjoying the walk, so perfect was the weather. As they passed Lord & Taylor’s, a lady came out of the store.