"Not hard, but sometimes when I have been kept pretty busy, I get tired towards night."
"I should think it would be rather good fun," said Fred.
"Do you think you would like it?" asked his mother, with a smile.
"I might like it for about half a day, but all day would be too much for me. However, I am too old for such a position."
Fred had no false pride, and though he knew that Frank was in a social position considerably below his own, he treated him as an equal. Those who are secure of their own position are much more likely to avoid "putting on airs" than those who have recently been elevated in the social scale. Frank was destined that same evening to see the contrast between true and false gentility.
It so happened that Victor Dupont, already mentioned, was an acquaintance and former school-fellow of Fred Vivian. It also chanced that he selected this evening for a call, as the Vivians stood very high socially, being an old family. Victor was rather proud of his acquaintance with them, and took occasion to call frequently.
As he was ushered into the room he did not at first recognize Frank in his new clothes.
"Victor, this is a friend of mine, Frank Kavanagh," said Fred, introducing his two visitors. "Frank, let me introduce my old school-fellow Victor Dupont."
"We are already acquainted," said Frank. "Good-evening, Victor."
Victor stared in amusing astonishment at Frank.