"Well, you are provided for, for the present, thanks to Seth Lawton's folly. I don't wonder he is poor if that is the way he manages. Do you know if he has got work yet?"
"He told me part of his time was occupied."
"I suppose he has got a little job to do at bookkeeping. Possibly it will pay him twenty-five dollars. On the strength of that he has bought you a suit at twenty-eight dollars. Seth always was a fool. When he finds himself in need, it won't do him any good to apply to me."
It was clear that Mr. Lawton had not raised himself in the estimation of his rich relatives by his kindness to Scott.
Among the cash boys who worked in the store was a pleasant-faced boy, named William Mead. He was two years younger than Scott, but the latter had taken special notice of him, and without knowing much of him, had come to feel an interest in him.
Usually Willie, as he was called, was bright and cheerful, but one day he appeared with a sad countenance.
"What is the matter, Willie?" asked Scott, when the two boys went out together at the noon hour.
Scott bought his lunch at a neighboring restaurant, but the cash boy brought his with him from home.
"I don't like to annoy you with my troubles."