"We shall be able to save up considerable money every year."
"But there's one thing I want to say, mother. As we are in so much better circumstances, there will be no need of your working on neckties any more."
"Are you going to discharge me from your employment, Paul?" said his mother, smiling.
"Not unless you are willing, mother; but you will have enough to do looking after the house."
"I would rather keep on making neckties. It is a work that I like. In return I will hire my washing done, and all the rougher work."
"Perhaps that will be better," said Paul; "but you can do both if you like."
"I don't mean to lead an idle life, Paul. I should not feel happy if I did. I was always fond of sewing—that is, in moderation. When I made shirts for that establishment in Broadway, for such low prices, I cannot say that I enjoyed that very much. I am glad to be relieved of such work, though at that time I was glad to get it."
"Those days have gone by forever, I hope, mother. I am young and strong, and I don't see why there isn't as good a chance for me to succeed as for other poor boys who have risen to wealth and eminence. I am going to work for success, at any rate. But we shall have to make some purchases before Tuesday."
"What kind of purchases?"
"Jimmy and I are out of clothes, you know. My entire wardrobe has been consumed by the devouring element, as the reporters say. Now, being a young man of fashion, I don't quite like being reduced to one suit and one shirt, with other things in proportion."