"And your employer—is he kind and considerate?"
"He is just, but he has strict notions. Had he learned my slip the other day he would have discharged me, perhaps had me arrested. Now, thanks to your prompt kindness, he knows and will know nothing of it."
"Is he likely to increase your salary?"
"He will probably raise me to fifteen dollars a week next January. Then I can get along very well. At present it is difficult for me, after sending my mother four dollars a week, to live on the balance of my salary."
"I should think it would be."
"Still, I would have made it do, but for mother's falling sick, and so needing a larger allowance."
"I hope she is not seriously ill," said Mrs. Merton, with solicitude.
"No, fortunately not. I think she will be as well as usual in a few weeks."
"Tell her I inquired particularly for her, and that I send her my love and remembrance."
"I shall be only too glad to do so."