“And, though you are poor, you can lift yourself to prosperity, if you are willing to work hard enough and long enough.”
“I am not afraid of work,” said Paul, promptly.
“No, I do not believe you are. I can tell by a boy's face, and you have the appearance of one who is willing to work hard. How long have you been a street peddler?”
“About a year, sir. Before that time my father was living, and I was kept at school.”
“You will find the street a school, though of a different kind, in which you can learn valuable lessons. If you can get time in the evening, however, it will be best to keep up your school studies.”
“I am doing that now, sir.”
“That is well. And now, about the shirts. Did your mother say how long it would take her to make them?”
“About three weeks, I think, sir. Will that be soon enough?”
“That will do. Perhaps it will be well, however, to bring half the number whenever they are finished.”
“All right, sir.”