He took his hat and went out. Harry began to copy industriously. The transactions entered appeared to date several years back, and Harry did not exactly understand what connection they had with Mr. Lemuel Fairchild’s business. But then, as he reflected, he was not competent to judge of that. All he had to do was to obey instructions, and after a while he would know more. It was certainly very astonishing the way in which business was done in the city. The prospect of being cooped up in a small, dark room was not very pleasant. Still Harry recalled the pleasant circumstance that he was earning two dollars a day, and was at the same time learning business. So far as he could see, the commission business was not very difficult to learn. Perhaps Mr. Fairchild might eventually admit him as a partner in the firm. If so, he would soon realize a fortune.
Harry kept on copying steadily while these thoughts were passing through his mind. After an hour or more the door opened, and Mr. Fairchild entered.
“How much have you copied?” he asked, advancing to the desk.
“About two pages and a half,” said Harry. “Is it done right?”
His employer glanced at the writing carelessly.
“Yes,” he said, “it will do very well. You have a good business-hand.”
“I shall improve as I go on, I hope,” said Harry, modestly.
“Oh, of course. I’ve no doubt I shall be able to make a business-man of you. But I suppose you are getting hungry.”
Harry admitted that he was a little hungry.