"I suppose you would rather be at school."
"I certainly should."
"Yes; it would be easier."
"That is not my reason."
"What is your reason?"
"I think I am wasting my time in a grocery store."
"You get paid for it, don't you?"
"Yes; I shall be paid a small sum."
"Abel," said his mother, "I don't care to have you talk with Gerald on this subject. As he goes on he will get contented and will see that I have planned for the best. Now, as it is near ten o'clock, we may as well go to bed."
The next morning Gerald rose earlier than the rest of the family and breakfasted by himself. It was a comfort to him to occupy his own bedchamber. Abel had been so thoroughly frightened by the visit of the burglar that he absolutely refused to occupy the large room, though urged to do so by his mother, who did not like to think that he was less luxuriously provided for than Gerald.