“So am I, sir.”
“I thought you might not be able to leave your studies.”
“I have given up study, sir.”
“I am surprised at that, Hector. I thought you contemplated going to college.”
“So I did, sir, but circumstances have changed my plans.”
“Indeed!”
“Yes, sir; I will explain after dinner, and will ask your advice.”
Mr. Ross dropped the subject, and after dinner led the way to the library, where he sank into an armchair, and, breathing a sigh of satisfaction, said: “This, Mr. Crabb, is the most enjoyable part of the twenty-four hours for me. I dismiss business cares and perplexities, and read my evening paper, or some new book, in comfort.”
As the usher looked about him and saw costly books, engravings, furniture and pictures, he could well understand that in such surroundings the merchant could take solid comfort. It was a most agreeable contrast to the plain and poverty-stricken room at Smith Institute, where the boys pursued their evening studies under his superintendence.
“Well, Hector, so you don’t propose to go back to school,” said the merchant. “Isn’t that rather a sudden resolution?”