Ezra Little asked a good many questions of his new-found relative, but Seth Lawton\'s answers were vague.
"I don\'t see why you ever came to New York," said his host.
"I feel repaid already," replied Seth. "It does me good to see my relations. I am glad especially to find you doing so well."
"I wish I could return the compliment," said Ezra, pointedly.
"Oh, I don\'t complain," responded Mr. Lawton.
"Don\'t you ever consider what would become of you if you should get sick?"
"I am in pretty fair health, thank you, Ezra. I am not likely to injure my health with rich living."
Loammi indulged in a boisterous laugh. He evidently thought this a good joke.
[Pg 90]
Seth Lawton eyed his young relative with a glance of curiosity. Scott flushed, for he felt that Loammi was disrespectful.
"Loammi thinks it a joke to be poor," he said to himself.
When they rose from the table, Ezra Little said: "You will have to excuse me, Seth. There is a meeting this evening of some bank directors, and, as I am one of them, I ought to attend."
"Oh, don\'t mind me, Ezra. I can call again."
"Of course we expect you to do so," said his wealthy relative, but there was no cordiality in his tone.
"Perhaps the boys will take a walk with me," suggested Seth. "I shall be glad to have them call at my room."
"Where is your room?" asked Loammi.
"In West Sixteenth Street."
"I have an engagement," said Loammi, very brusquely.
"How is it with you?" asked Mr. Lawton, turning to Scott.
"I shall be happy to go with you, Cousin Seth," answered Scott, pleasantly.
Seth Lawton looked pleased.
Mr. Little had gone off in a hurry, followed by[Pg 91] Loammi. Mr. Lawton and Scott remained a short time in conversation with Mrs. Little; then they, too, went out.
"I invited your cousin out of politeness," said Mr. Lawton, "but I am quite as well pleased to have you alone. I don\'t think Loammi will ever care much for me."
"He doesn\'t like poor relations," observed Scott. "He takes very little notice of me."
Seth Lawton smiled.
"Then if I were rich you think Loammi would be more polite?"
"I am sure of it."
"I am afraid it can\'t be helped then. I am too old to start in to make a fortune; but you are young. You may be a rich man in time."
"It doesn\'t look much like it now."
"Most of the rich men in New York and other American cities were once poor boys."
"I don\'t think my chances will be very good while I work for Mr. Little. I hope you will remain in New York."
"That will depend on circumstances. As Ezra Little said, a man of my age doesn\'t stand a good chance to get a position."
"I think you said you kept books in the West?"
[Pg 92]
"Yes, a part of the time."
"Shall you try to get a bookkeeper\'s place here?"
"I have not decided. I think I must call at Ezra\'s store to-morrow. I have some curiosity to see it."
"I wish it were your store instead of his."
"He would not join you in the wish. Besides, I don\'t think I should care to be in the dry-goods business. I suppose you mean that you would rather work for me than for him?"
"Yes."
"Thank you for the compliment, Scott. It doesn\'t look likely at present that I shall ever be your employer. I hope, however, that our friendship will continue and become more intimate."
They had walked to Broadway, and sauntered slowly down that brilliant thoroughfare. As they were passing the Fifth Avenue Hotel a fine-looking man, who had just left it, espied Scott\'s companion.
"How are you, Mr. Lawton?" he said, cordially, offering his hand.
"Very well, thank you, Mr. Mitchell."
"I didn\'t expect to see you here."
"I haven\'t been here for a good many years,[Pg 93] but I took a fancy to make a brief visit, and see how the city has changed. I suppose you are here on particular business?"
"Well, perhaps so," laughed the other. "I am staying at this hotel. Call if you have time. I shall be here three days. That is not your son?"
"No; I am not married. It is a young cousin, Scott Walton."
"I am glad to make your acquaintance, my boy," said Mr. Mitchell, pleasantly.
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