In ten minutes the merchant had finished with his letters, and whirled round in his chair.
"I believe you are a telegraph boy," he said.
"Yes, sir."
"What pay do you receive?"
"I don't average over six dollars a week."
"How old are you?"
"Sixteen."
"My daughter thinks you are unusually bright and intelligent."
"I am very much obliged to Miss Maud for her good opinion," said Mark, his face flushing with gratification.
"How can you get along on six dollars a week? You have a mother partially dependent upon you, I believe."