“Yes, I admit that I was a little selfish in taking up my young friend's time,” said the old gentleman cheerfully; “but I infer, from what he tells me, that it is not particularly valuable just now.”
“Are you in a business position, Mr. Brent?” asked Mrs. Pitkin.
“No, madam. I was looking for a place this morning.”
“Have you lived for some time in the city?”
“No; I came here only yesterday from the country.”
“I think country boys are very foolish to leave good homes in the country to seek places in the city,” said Mrs. Pitkin sharply.
“There may be circumstances, Lavinia, that make it advisable,” suggested Mr. Carter, who, however, did not know Phil's reason for coming.
“No doubt; I understand that,” answered Mrs. Pitkin, in a tone so significant that Phil wondered whether she thought he had got into any trouble at home.
“And besides, we can't judge for every one. So I hope Master Philip may find some good and satisfactory opening, now that he has reached the city.”
After a short time, lunch, which in New York is generally a plain meal, was over, and Mr. Carter invited Philip to come up-stairs again.