"And to please me," rejoined the lady. The good nurse consented; indeed, how could she resist such fond entreaties.
So Harrison went forth the next morning for another day's toil. Would it be fruitless toil?
This was the important question which agitated poor Ella's breast; and by four o'clock, she stationed herself at the front window, from which she could see some distance up the street. Her mother advised her to take a book, or some work, or the time would seem very long. She took a story-book in hand; but her eyes were continually wandering from her page to the window.
Half-past five arrived; the latest hour at which he had ever been away. Ella was sure now that he had not been successful. "If he had found a place," she said, "he would have hurried home to tell us so." At length she saw him walking toward the house. He seemed inclined to hurry; but Ella thought that was because he feared he should detain them from tea. He glanced up at the window, held down his head as he passed through the gate, turned deliberately about and latched it, then advanced toward the house. Ella met him at the door, and looked earnestly in his face. There was a curious expression which puzzled her. He held out his hand without raising his eyes. She could restrain herself no longer. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Harrison!" and she walked slowly before him into the room where her mother and his were awaiting them.
"He hasn't found a place, mamma," she began, in a mournful tone.
"Does he say so?" inquired Mrs. Danforth, gazing earnestly at him.
"No, indeed," exclaimed the boy, throwing off his disguise: "You're mistaken for once, Miss Ella. I've found a place, a first-rate one, I think. Any how, it's in a large grain store on. Central wharf, with vessels coming up to it and unloading all the time. I'm to have thirteen dollars the first month; and after that, if I do well, they are going to increase my wages. I mean to do well; and perhaps some time, I shall get into the firm."
The boy's handsome face flushed with pride as he already, in imagination, saw himself seated at one of the high desks, calling clerks, giving orders, filling out cheeks, as he had seen his new employers do on that very day.
"What do you say, Ella?" he asked, as she stood silently by his side.
"I'm very glad." The answer was in rather a doubtful tone.