A liberal lunch was ordered, and placed before them.

“My time is limited,” said Mr. Vivian, “and we will economize it by discussing lunch and your affairs at the same time. How much do you pay for board?”

“Six dollars a week,” answered Gilbert.

“That is very little,” said the merchant.

“I room with another person, and thus secure more favorable terms.”

“Are your meals satisfactory?”

“The food is plain, but good. I have nothing to complain of. I should like nothing better than to feel sure that I could continue to pay my expenses at this rate.”

“That is well,” said Mr. Vivian, approvingly. “I like your spirit. You are not disposed to find unnecessary 282fault. Then you cannot make six dollars a week by selling papers?”

“No, sir; at least, I have not done so thus far. Yesterday I made seventy cents, and to-day about the same sum.”

“That will never do. It leaves you nothing for washing or clothes.”

“No, sir. However, I am pretty well provided with clothes. I don’t expect to require anything in that line for six months.”

“Probably you couldn’t put off washing for so long,” suggested Mr. Vivian, with a smile.

“Hardly,” answered Gilbert.

“Before you came to the city,” said Mr. Vivian, apparently changing the subject, “you were studying for college, were you not?”

“Yes, sir.”

“How far had you proceeded?”

“By next summer I could easily have been ready to enter Yale College; if necessary, earlier.”

“Then you must be a good classical scholar already.”

283“A fair one,” said Gilbert, modestly.

“Did you ever think of teaching?”

Gilbert looked surprised.

“I don’t know who would employ a boy like me,” he said.

“You would be competent to instruct a beginner in Latin and the common English studies, I suppose?”

“I ought to be, sir.”

“Then I will tell you an idea I have had in mind for a week or more. My boy Fred is attending a classical school, but his progress is not satisfactory to me. I don’t think him lacking in capacity, but he does not apply himself as he ought. It has occurred to me that assistance in the evening would materially aid him, and promote his standing in school. Except in Latin I could myself assist him, but after the business and perplexities of the day I am in no mood to turn teacher. Now, you are competent, and Fred has taken a fancy to you. Are you willing to give him five evenings a week?”

“Nothing would suit me better, sir,” said Gilbert, 284quickly. “I like Fred, and would do my best to be of service to him.”

Mr. Vivian looked pleased.

“Then,” he said, “I see no reason why we should not try the experiment. The only thing remaining to be discussed is the compensation.”

“I leave that to you, sir.”

“I may take advantage of your confidence,” said the merchant.

“I don’t feel alarmed,” said Gilbert, smiling.

“Suppose, then, we say ten dollars a week for five evenings.”

“Ten dollars!” exclaimed Gilbert, in amazement.

“If that is not adequate—”

“Why, Mr. Vivian, my services would never be worth ten dollars a week. Remember, sir, I am only a boy, and inexperienced as a teacher.”

“I believe you will do Fred more good than an older and more experienced teacher. He takes to you, and will work cheerfully with you, while I don’t think he would with the other.”

285“But ten dollars a week is a large sum for you to pay, Mr. Vivian.”

“I believe in paying a good price, and requiring good, faithful work, such as I think you will render.”

“I will try to render it, at any rate, sir.”

“Then it is a b............