“My father taught me, sir. He also taught me Latin.”
“Indeed, I congratulate you on possessing so good an education. Latin, however, isn't so much in my way. I haven't many Latin correspondents.”
“I suppose not, sir,” said Herbert, laughing.
“Still, it does no harm to know something of it.”
Tom Stanton had listened with considerable surprise, mingled with mortification, to what had passed. It appeared then, that his country cousin, whom he had looked upon as a country boor, was his superior in education, and, as Tom secretly knew, in courage. And now he was going to be his fellow-clerk. He felt jealous and angry, fearing that Herbert, who appeared to be high in favor already, would eclipse him in the office.
“How much can you live upon economically?” asked the merchant.
“I know little of the city,” said Herbert. “You can judge better than I, sir.”
“You pay three dollars a week board. You'll need double that amount. Mr. Pratt, you may pay him six dollars a week. He will come to work to-morrow morning, and you may pay him Saturday, as if it was a whole week.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Herbert, gratefully. “You are very kind.”
“Do your duty, my young friend, and I shall be satisfied.”