"I began my career about your age," said Mr. Wharton, "or perhaps a
little younger, and had to live on but six dollars a week."

"Didn't you come near starving?" he asked.

"On the contrary, I saved a little every week."

"I can't," said Thomas, a little discomfited. "Why, it takes half that
to dress decently."

Mr. Wharton glanced quietly at the rather loud and flashy dress worn by
his visitor, but only said:

"A small salary, of course, makes economy necessary."

"But when a fellow knows he earns a good deal more than he gets, he
doesn't feel like starving himself just that his employers may grow
rich."

"Of course, if he can better himself they cannot object."

"That's just what I want to do," said Thomas; "but I expect I need
influence to help me to something better. That's a good hint," thought
he.

"I was telling Thomas," said the housekeeper, "that you had kindly
expressed a desire to be of service to him."

"I am not now in active business," said Mr. Wharton, "and of course have
not the opportunities I formerly had for helping young men, but I will