“Then I will tell you—be faithful in your duties in the office and continue your kindness to Herbert.”
“Gladly, sir.”
Grant decided not to write to his mother about his increase in salary. He preferred to wait till his savings amounted to a considerable sum, and then surprise her by the announcement of his good fortune. In six months, he estimated, he would have more than a hundred dollars, and this to the country minister's son seemed a large sum. At any rate, when he was twenty-one he might hope to be the possessor of a thousand dollars. This opened to Grant a brilliant prospect. It was probably all his father was worth, including all his possessions.
“In spite of my uncle's opposition,” thought Grant, “I think I acted wisely in preferring business to college. Now I shall be able to make the family more comfortable.”
When Willis Ford called at the office the next morning Grant was gone to the post office. As he returned he met Ford coming out with a check in his hand.
“So it's you, is it?” sneered Ford, stopping short.
“Yes, Mr. Ford.”
“I suppose you are exulting over your victory?”
“You are mistaken,” said Grant. “It was not my wish that anything unpleasant should happen.”
“I suppose not,” said Ford, in an unpleasant tone.