“He keeps dry goods, and other things.”
“I’m afraid your experience there wouldn’t fit you for employment with us. However, I will examine you a little.”
The shopkeeper led Joshua to the counter, on which was piled a variety of goods, which had been taken out to show customers, and asked for their names, and what he supposed to be their prices. Now, Joshua had never taken any pains to become acquainted with his father’s business and knew next to nothing about it. His ignorance proved to be so complete that his questioner saw at once that he would never do for their trade.
“I am sorry to say that you won’t suit us,” he said.
“We should have to teach you everything from the beginning. What we want is a competent salesman.”
Joshua was rather discouraged by this failure. He saw that he was by no means so well qualified to make his way in the city as he supposed. He didn’t care very much about working, to be sure. What he would have liked was, a competent income without the necessity of doing anything. In that case he thought he could enjoy himself.
“When the old man dies,” he thought, “I won’t do anything. I’ll sell out the store. I shall have enough to live upon, and it won’t be any use troubling myself with work.”
I hope none of my young readers have imbibed Joshua’s pernicious ideas. If so, they stand a chance of leading a very useless and unprofitable life.
Joshua’s application continued unsuccessful, and he began to get discouraged.
On the afternoon of the third day Mrs. Foster knocked at his door. “Mr. Drummond,” she said, “there’s a gentleman below that has applied for board. I have told him of this room, and he will come up and look at it. I thought I’d come and speak to you about it first.”