"Certainly not," was the laughing retort; "but don't encourage him about the vacancy."
The next morning, Harrison, in company with Mr. Kilby, walked to the wharf, and entered the store of Lombard & Lamb, the gentleman motioning the youth to walk forward to the counting-room, where he saw Mr. Lombard writing at the desk, while he stopped a moment to speak to the other partner.
Harrison instantly recognized the gentleman who had been so kind to him at the time he was looking for a place. He stood near the counting-room door, hesitating whether to enter, when the old gentleman looked up.
"Ah!" he said, holding out his hand, in the most cordial manner, "I'm glad to see you again. Walk in here; I want to talk with you!"
At this moment Mr. Kilby came forward, when Mr. Lombard said, quickly, much to the youth's surprise, "This is the one I mentioned. If he is not engaged, your protegé will have no chance."
The gentleman smiled as he said, "Your description was so good that I suspected we were talking of the same individual. Before you engage him, however, I shall wish to be consulted, as he is under my care."
The preliminaries being most happily arranged, Harrison entered the store of Lombard & Lamb, as salesman, this firm being in the same general business as that of Grant & Company. Here he maintained the same character for industry and honesty as when connected with the other firm, and rose step by step in the confidence and esteem of his employers, until he joined the firm as junior partner. A few years later, Mr. Lombard, now at an advanced age, declared his intention of retiring from active business. He did so; but not until he had testified by his conduct, his high appreciation of the energetic habits and the high business qualifications of his young partner, by giving him an equal share in the profits of the firm.
In all his prosperity, Mrs. Danforth shared, and was often cheered by her son's assurance that to her faithful instructions, under God, he owed all his success.
"You early taught me to work, mother," he would say, with a smile of filial affection, "and it is right you should reap the reward of my industry."
Mrs. Haven continued to reside in the country for many years, occupying herself in completing her daughter's education, for which employment she was well fitted. At length, having entirely lost all knowledge of Alfred, she ventured to yield to Ella's desire, and moved back to her pleasant cottage, which had been thoroughly repaired for her use.