“I don’t like to reflect upon your guardian, but it seems to me he ought to have apprised you beforehand of what you had to expect.”
“I wish he had.”
“Do you feel very much disappointed?” asked the doctor, eying his pupil with interest.
“Considerably, sir. It is hard to fancy myself a poor boy, with my own way to make in the world.”
“It might have been worse. You have, as your guardian suggests, more than an average education.”
“Thanks to you, sir.”
“And to your own application,” added the doctor, gratified by this tribute.
“I am glad you think so, sir. I hope it will help me in life.”
“Undoubtedly it will. Besides, you will have the influence of your guardian to assist you. He will probably procure you a good place in some counting-room.”
“I wish he had told me something about myself; where the money came from which had paid my bills hitherto.”