"Well, mama, you know you dropped your gloves in the street the last time you were in Pittsburg, but there was no gentleman to pick them up, so I had to. Are you going to Cincinnati?" she asked, turning to Tom.
"Yes, and farther; I am going to California," replied Tom.
"Dear me, you will be quite a traveler. I wish I were going to California."
"You wouldn't like to go there on the same business that I am."
"What is that?"
"I am going to dig gold."
"I don't know. I suppose it isn't girl's work; but if I saw any gold about, I should like to dig for it. Is that your father that was standing by you?"
"No," answered Tom. "I never met him till yesterday. We were staying at the same hotel in Pittsburg."
"He seems like quite a nice old gentleman."
Mr. Waterbury was not over fifty, but to the young girl he seemed an old gentleman.