“I know that,” said Harry. “Still, my chance would be as good as any, and I might be lucky. At any rate, I have nothing to lose, and should see something of the country.”
“That is true. Well, when do you want to start?”
“I should like to start as soon as possible.”
“Let it be next Monday morning, then. I will take care that you don’t go empty-handed.”
“I don’t think you ought to give me so much, Mr. Lindsay.”
“Leave me to decide that. Now shall we call in Maud? I suppose she is tormented by curiosity to know what we are talking about.”
“The reason I did not want to speak before her was, that I was afraid she would urge me not to go away.”
“Yes, she will miss you very much; but we shall expect to hear from you, and to see you again soon, if only on a visit.”
As Harry anticipated, Maud strenuously opposed his plan; but our hero felt that, however pleasant it might be to remain, it was his duty to go. It was of course very agreeable to enjoy the luxurious accommodations of a first-class hotel; but all this was not advancing him in life, and, however kind Mr. Lindsay might be, he felt a degree of delicacy in living at his expense.
Monday morning soon came. Mr. Lindsay called Harry aside, and said:—