"You have, at any rate, made good use of your advantages."

"But will it do me any good, sir?" asked Frank.

"People are not paid for reading, are they?"

"Not in general, but we will suppose the case of a person whose eyes are
weak, and likely to be badly affected by evening use. Then suppose such
a person could secure the services of a good, clear, distinct reader,
don't you think he would be willing to pay something?"

"I suppose so. Do you know of any such person?" asked Frank.

"I am describing myself, Frank. A year since I strained my eyes very
severely, and have never dared to use them much since by gaslight. Mrs.
Bradley, my housekeeper, has read to me some, but she has other duties,
and I don't think she enjoys it very much. Now, why shouldn't I get you
to read to me in the evening when you are not otherwise employed?"

"I wish you would, Mr. Wharton," said Frank, eagerly. "I would do my
best."

"I have no doubt of that, but there is another question--perhaps you
might ask a higher salary than I could afford to pay."

"Would a dollar a week be too much?" asked Frank.

"I don't think I could complain of that," said Mr. Wharton, gravely.
"Very well, I will engage you as my reader."