Part 31 (1/2)
”Oh!” said Roswell, turning up his nose slightly, which was quite easy for him to do, as nature had given that organ an upward turn. He thought all trades low, and resolved hereafter to hold as little communication as possible with the boy who had so far demeaned himself as to be learning one. That was worse than being in a dry-goods store, and carrying around bundles.
Towards six o'clock Roswell rose from his seat, and sauntered towards Clinton Place, which was nearly a mile distant. He entered the house a little before dinner.
”Are you not earlier than usual, Roswell?” asked his mother.
”I've left the store,” he said, abruptly.
”Left the store!” echoed his mother, in some dismay. ”Why?”
”Because they don't know how to treat me. It's no fit place for a gentleman's son.”
”I am sorry, Roswell,” said Mrs. Crawford, who, like her son, was ”poor and proud,” and found the four dollars he earned weekly of advantage.
”I'm afraid you have been foolish.”
”Listen, mother, and I'll tell you all about it,” he said.
Roswell gave his explanation, which, it need hardly be said, was very favorable to himself, and Mrs. Crawford was finally brought to believe that Hall & Turner were low people, with whom it was not suitable for one of her son's gentlemanly tastes to be placed. His vindication was scarcely over, when the bell rang, and his Cousin Gilbert was admitted.
Mr. Gilbert entered briskly, and with a smiling face. He felt unusually complaisant, having succeeded in his designs against our hero.
”Well, James,” said Mrs. Crawford, ”you look in better spirits than I feel.”
”What's happened amiss?”
”Roswell has given up his place.”
”Been discharged, you mean.”
”No,” said Roswell, ”I left the place of my own accord.”
”What for?”
”I don't like the firm, nor the business. I wish I were in Mr.
Rockwell's.”
”Well,” said Gilbert, ”perhaps I can get you in there.”
”Has the boot-black left?”
”He's found another place,” said Gilbert, smiling at what he regarded as a good joke.
”You don't mean to say he has left a place where he was earning ten dollars a week?” said Mrs. Crawford, in surprise. ”Where is this new place that you speak of?”
”In the station-house.”
”Is he in the station-house?” asked Roswell, eagerly.
”That is what I hear.”