“That seems strange, Sam.”
“Oh, you’ll get used to it very soon.”
“Don’t you eat anything in the middle of the day?”
“We take lunch then. You’ll find New York a different sort of a place from Stapleton.”
Joshua was ready to believe this. He was not used to it yet, but had no doubt he should like it after a while.
“Now, if you are ready, we will go down to dinner.”
The dining-room proved to be in the front basement. Three or four young men were already seated at the table, while a red-haired girl was waiting upon them. The mistress of the boarding house was a thin, tired-looking woman, who, to judge from her appearance, found her business rather a wearing one.
“Mrs. Jones, Mr. Drummond,” introduced Sam.
“I am glad to see you, Mr. Drummond,” said Mrs. Jones; and she really was glad, for a new boarder was a welcome addition to her household. “Sit down there, if you please, next to Mr. Crawford.”
Joshua took his seat as directed, and the waitress came to receive her orders.