“From New York! Is it in a school?”
“No, sir; I am to be private tutor in a family.”
“Indeed! Do you receive as good pay as here?”
“As good!” echoed the usher. “I am offered sixty dollars a month and board, with the possibility of a larger sum, in the event of extra service being demanded.”
Socrates Smith had never been more surprised.
This Mr. Crabb, whom he had considered to be under his thumb, as being wholly dependent upon him, was to receive a salary which he considered princely.
“How did you get this office?” he asked.
“Through my friend, Hector Roscoe,” answered the usher.
“Probably he is deceiving you. It is ridiculous to offer you such a sum.”
“I am quite aware that you would never think of offering it, but, Mr. Smith, there are other employers more generous.”