Part 19 (1/2)
CHAPTER XIII
OUT OF BUSINESS
The next day Mrs. Hoffman commenced work upon Mr. Preston's s.h.i.+rts. She worked with much more cheerfulness now that she was sure of obtaining a liberal price for her labor. As the s.h.i.+rts were of extra size, she found herself unable to finish one in a day, as she had formerly done, but had no difficulty in making four in a week. This, however, gave her five dollars weekly, instead of a dollar and a half as formerly. Now, five dollars may not seem a very large sum to some of my young readers, but to Mrs. Hoffman it seemed excellent compensation for a week's work.
”If I could only earn as much every week,” she said to Paul on Sat.u.r.day evening, ”I should feel quite rich.”
”Your work will last three weeks, mother, and perhaps at the end of that time some of Mr. Preston's friends may wish to employ you.”
”I hope they will.”
”How much do you think I have made?” continued Paul.
”Six dollars.”
”Seven dollars and a half.”
”So between us we have earned over twelve dollars.”
”I wish I could earn something,” said little Jimmy, looking up from his drawing.
”There's time enough for that, Jimmy. You are going to be a great artist one of these days.”
”Do you really think I shall?” asked the little boy, wistfully.
”I think there is a good chance of it. Let me see what you are drawing.”
The picture upon which Jimmy was at work represented a farmer standing upright in a cart, drawn by a st.u.r.dy, large-framed horse. The copy bore a close resemblance to the original, even in the most difficult portions--the face and expression, both in the man and the horse, being carefully reproduced.
”This is wonderful, Jimmy,” exclaimed Paul, in real surprise. ”Didn't you find it hard to get the man's face just right?”
”Rather hard,” said Jimmy; ”I had to be careful, but I like best the parts where I have to take the most pains.”
”I wish I could afford to hire a teacher for you,” said Paul. ”Perhaps, if mother and I keep on earning so much money, we shall be able to some time.”
By the middle of the next week six of the s.h.i.+rts were finished, and Paul, as had been agreed upon, carried them up to Mr. Preston. He was fortunate enough to find him at home.
”I hope they will suit you,” said Paul.
”I can see that the sewing is excellent,” said Mr. Preston, examining them. ”As to the fit, I can tell better after I have tried one on.”
”Mother made them just like the one you sent; but if there is anything wrong, she will, of course, be ready to alter them.”
”If they are just like the pattern, they will be sure to suit me.”
”And now, my young friend,” he added, ”let me know how you are getting on in your own business.”
”I am making a dollar a day, sometimes a little more.”
”That is very good.”