“Yes, I will,” said John, earnestly.
Half an hour later they entered the broker’s office. No boy had been engaged as yet. Mr. Sands did not at first regard John’s application with favor; though, as he understood the duties of the place, he could, if he pleased, do better than a new boy. Finally, the broker agreed to take him on trial.
“Remember, John,” he said, “you owe your place to Gilbert’s intercession. But for that I wouldn’t take you back.”
“I know it, sir. I hope you won’t be sorry.”
Here it may be said that John turned over a new leaf, and succeeded in this last trial in giving satisfaction. His cousin, Simon Moore, called him mean-spirited for going back; but John felt that he must look out for his own interests now, and did not regard his objection.
In his prosperity Gilbert did not forget Mr. Talbot and his little daughter. While he continued sick our hero allowed him a weekly sum sufficient to support father and daughter comfortably; and on his recovery he found him employment, and a more comfortable lodging. Little Emma was no longer obliged to go into the streets to sell bouquets, but was put at a good day-school. From time to time Gilbert called upon them, and was rejoiced to see the improved looks and happier faces of Emma and her father.
In the first chapter of this story the reader will recall John Munford, a school-friend of Gilbert, the son of a carpenter, who, on account of his father’s poverty, was obliged to leave school, and go to work. Gilbert, in becoming rich, did not forget his early friend. One day John received a letter from Gilbert, in which, after speaking of his change of fortune, he wrote:—
“Now, John, I have a large income,—much more than I can use,—and I want to do what good I can with it. I know you want to keep at school, but cannot, on account of your father’s circumstances. I have a proposal to make to you. Give up work, and go back to Dr. Burton’s school. I will allow you three hundred dollars a year till you are ready to go to college. Then you shall come to Yale, and room with me. I will provide for you in college. After you graduate, your education will command a position that will make you independent. Let me know at once if you accept, or rather write me that you do accept.”
What could John do, but to accept this generous offer with deep gratitude to his old school-fellow? Need it be said that Gilbert fulfilled his promise to the letter. Last year the two friends graduated, both taking high rank; and John is now principal of a High School in a Massachusetts town. Gilbert has decided to lead a business life, and has entered Mr. Vivian’s establishment. He will be junior partner at the end of three years. He may form another partnership with a member of Mr. Vivian’s family. I cannot say positively, but I think it quite probable.
Mr. Briggs is no longer Gilbert’s guardian. Our hero is of age, and has assumed the charge of his own property. He is always sure of a cordial welcome from Mrs. Briggs now, and Randolph cultivates his intimacy; but Gilbert does not find him congenial. He is inclined to be dissipated, and, I am afraid, will not turn out well. But his mother upholds him on all occasions; and her ill-judged indulgence is partly the cause of her son’s lack of promise.