CHAPTER XXV
GETTING A SITUATION
The next morning Herbert reported himself at his new boarding place. He found the fare very far from first-class, while his fellow-boarders appeared at the table mostly in shirt-sleeves, and were evidently workingmen. Our hero would have preferred a greater degree of neatness both in the table and in the guests, but he felt that he would be lucky, if he should find himself able to pay his expenses even here. He was not to be daunted by little annoyances, but looked for compensation in the future.
He waited impatiently for the next day, when Mr. Godfrey would return. Upon the success of the interview with him much depended.
At length it came, and Herbert once more set out for the warehouse on Pearl Street. He entered without question, and made his way to the counting-room. Looking through the glass door, he saw his cousin—whom he surveyed with new interest now that he knew the relationship—and the bookkeeper. But, besides these, there was an elderly gentleman, rather stout, with a pleasant face, the expression of which reassured him.
“Is Mr. Godfrey in?” he asked, on entering, with a look of inquiry at the gentleman just described.
“That is my name. What can I do for you?” said Mr. Godfrey, turning towards him.
“I have a letter for you, sir,” said Herbert, producing it from his pocket.
Mr. Godfrey held out his hand for it, and ran his eye rapidly over its contents.
“So your name is Herbert Mason?” he said, raising his eyes after finishing it.