Part 8 (2/2)
”I am glad to see you, Richard,” said Mr. Rockwell, rising from his seat, and advancing to our hero with a pleasant smile. ”Mrs. Rockwell has been anxious to see you. My dear, this is the brave boy who saved our little Johnny.”
Mrs. Rockwell, a tall, graceful lady, with a smile that quite captivated d.i.c.k, offered her hand, and said, earnestly, ”My brave boy, I have been wis.h.i.+ng to see you. I shudder to think that, but for your prompt courage, I should now be mourning the loss of my dear little Johnny.
Accept a mother's thanks for a favor so great that she can never hope to repay it.”
Now this acknowledgment was very pleasant to d.i.c.k, but it was also very embarra.s.sing. It is difficult to receive praise gracefully. So our hero, not knowing what else to say, stammered out that she was very welcome.
”I understand that you have entered my husband's employment,” said Mrs.
Rockwell.
”Yes,” said d.i.c.k. ”He was kind enough to take me.”
”I hope to make a man of business of our young friend,” said Mr.
Rockwell. ”He will soon feel at home in his new position, and I hope we may find the connection mutually satisfactory.”
”Have you a pleasant boarding-place?” asked Mrs. Rockwell.
”Tip-top,” said d.i.c.k. ”I mean pretty good,” he added, in a little confusion.
”Where is it?”
”In Bleecker Street,” said d.i.c.k, very glad that he was not obliged to say Mott Street.
”That is quite a good location,” said Mr. Rockwell. ”How do you spend your evenings, Richard?”
”In studying with a friend of mine,” said d.i.c.k. ”I want to know something by the time I grow up.”
”That is an excellent resolution,” said his employer, with warm approval. ”I wish more boys of your age were equally sensible. You may depend upon it that a good education is the best preparation for an honorable and useful manhood. What is your friend's name?”
”Henry Fosd.i.c.k. He rooms with me.”
”I am glad you have a friend who shares your tastes. But perhaps you would like to renew your acquaintance with the young gentleman to whom you have rendered so great a service. Johnny has been allowed to stay up beyond his usual bedtime because you were coming. Johnny, come here!”
Johnny rose from his blocks, and came to his mother's side. He was a pleasant-looking little fellow, with a pair of bright eyes, and round, plump cheeks. He looked shyly at d.i.c.k.
”Did you ever see this young man?” asked his mother.
”Yes,” said Johnny.
”When was it?”
”When I was in the river,” said Johnny. ”He pulled me out.”
”Are you glad to see him?”
”Yes,” said Johnny. ”What is his name?”
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