"Two and a half a week."
"I hardly think I could live on that," said Rupert, smiling.
"It is better than being out of work."
"That is true, but I shouldn't like to be getting more and more behindhand every week. Are you attending school?"
"Yes, but I think of going into business soon."
"Perhaps," suggested Rupert, "you will take one of the cash boys' places."
"You must be crazy. When I go into business it won't be into a retail store. I will get a place in some wholesale establishment. There's a better chance to rise there."
"I didn't know but you would go to college."
"I am not very fond of study. Pa would send me to Columbia College or to Harvard, if I wanted to go, but I prefer a life of business. I want to become a merchant prince."
"It would certainly be agreeable. I shall be satisfied if I can be successful enough to support my mother and sister in comfort. That is my ambition."