"Is that satisfactory, Bert?" asked Pearson.
"Quite so, Mr. Pearson."
"Then we will take possession. I hope it is almost time for a meal, Mrs. Shelby. I am almost famished."
"You will only have to wait an hour. I will show you to your rooms, and then I must be excused, as my presence is required downstairs."
The room shown by the landlady was of fair size and neatly furnished. Bert looked about him in satisfaction.
"I would rather be here than at a hotel," he said.
"So would I, as long as I have a companion," returned Mr. Pearson. "Besides, I shall be saving from four to five dollars a week. I ought to pay more than half of it, as I am receiving a considerably higher salary than you."
"No, Mr. Pearson, I prefer to pay my share. But for you I should be paying more at a hotel."
Bert felt a little diffidence in appearing before a Chicago audience. He had, to be sure, been favorably received in Harrisburg, but he had an idea that in a larger city it would be more difficult to achieve success. The first night undeceived him. He received a liberal share of applause, and was called before the curtain.
"I congratulate you, Bert," said Mr. Pearson. "You seem to have made yourself solid with the audience."