As time passed on, Phil and Wilbur spent considerable time together out of the store. Mr. G. Washington Wilbur, apart from his amusing traits, was a youth of good principles and good disposition, and Phil was glad of his company. Sometimes they went to cheap amusements, but not often, for neither had money to spare for such purposes.
Some weeks after Phil's entrance upon his duties Mr. Wilbur made a proposal to Phil of a startling nature.
“Suppose we have our fortunes told, Phil?” he said.
“If it would help my fortune, or hurry it up, I shouldn't object,” said Phil, smiling.
“I want to know what fate has in store for me,” said Wilbur.
“Do you think the fortune-tellers know any better than you do?” asked Phil incredulously.
“They tell some strange things,” said Wilbur.
“What, for instance?”
“An aunt of mine went to a fortune-teller and asked if she would ever be married, and when? She was told that she would be married before she was twenty-two, to a tall, light-complexioned man.”
“Did it come true?”