"Is he unfavorably situated?"

"He has a place as salesman."

"With what firm?"

"Gilbert & Mack."

"Why, that is the same firm that employs my young friend. It is a good
firm."

"Perhaps it is, but my poor nephew receives a very small salary. He
finds it very hard to get along."

"Your nephew is young. He will be promoted if he serves his employers
well."

"Thomas would have been glad to read to you in the evening, sir," said
Mrs. Bradley, commencing the attack.

"But for my present engagement, I might have taken him," said Mr.
Wharton, politely.

"Have you engaged that boy for any length of time?"

"No; but it is understood that he will stay while I need him, and he
continues to suit me. I have a favorable opinion of him. Besides, he
needs the pay. He receives but three dollars a week as a cash-boy, and
has a sister to support as well as himself."