It seemed rather strange to Gilbert to find himself already in a situation. The transition from life at school had been very sudden. On the whole he was not sorry for it. It kindled his ambition to think that he was going to make himself useful; that he was to have a part in the busy scene around him. He only regretted that for some time to come he could not hope to earn his living entirely; that for two or three years, perhaps, he was to be a source of expense to his guardian.
“I will be as economical as I can,” he thought. “I will cost him as little as possible, and when I am older I will pay back every cent I owe him, if I am lucky enough to have the means.”
Had Gilbert only known it, it was Mr. Briggs who was heavily in his debt, and the small sum which would be allowed him to help defray his expenses was already his own. It was just as well that he did not know it. It was better that he should feel entirely dependent upon his own exertions for support. To an active and ambitious boy it is a stimulus and an incentive to effort.
“What is your whole name, Gilbert?” asked Mr. Sands, pleasantly.
“Gilbert Greyson, sir.”
“You have been at school until recently, Mr. Briggs tells me.”
“Yes, sir.”
“In the city?”
“No, sir; I was at Dr. Burton’s classical school, in the town of Westville.”
“I have heard of it. Did you pursue a classical course?”