"There is no one to help me. I expect no help."

"I thought your father might be induced to give you an allowance, so
that with what you can earn, you may get along comfortably."

"I think father would be willing to do this, but my stepmother would
prevent him."

"Then she has a great deal of influence over him?"

"Yes, she can twist him round her little finger."

"I can't understand it."

"You see, father is an invalid, and is very nervous. If he were in
perfect health he would have more force of character and firmness. He is
under the impression that he has heart disease, and it makes him timid
and vacillating."

"Still he ought to do something for you."

"I suppose he ought. Still, Gilbert, I think I can earn my living."

"What can you do?"

"Well, I have a fair education. I could be an entry clerk, or a salesman
in some store, or, if the worst came to the worst, I could work on a
farm. I believe farmers give boys who work for them their board and
clothes."