"My dear," said Mrs. Stockton, "Mr. Barker will think you very familiar. It is not the custom to use a gentleman's first name on such short acquaintance." "I feel as if I had known Sam ever so long. He asked me to call him by his first name." Mrs. Stockton smiled. Considering Sam's youth, she did not think it necessary to press the matter. "Is this your first visit to Boston, Mr. Barker?" she inquired. "Yes, ma'am." "I hope you will like it." "I think I shall, ma'am." "Are you a New Yorker?" "Yes, ma'am." "I know something of New York. In what part of the city do you live?" Sam was rather embarrassed. He did not like to mention the unfashionable street where he had lodged. "I boarded downtown," he answered, indefinitely; "to be near my business." "You are young to have been in business." "I was a clerk in a Pearl Street store," said Sam. "Are you visiting Boston on business?" "Yes, ma'am. I shall try to find a place here." "I hope you may succeed." "Thank you, ma'am." By this time breakfast was over, and Sam rose. "I think I'll be going," he said. Julia did not seek to detain him. The fact was, that after her absence there were quite a number of things she wanted to do, among others to unpack her trunk. "What hotel are you going to stop at?" she inquired. "I haven't made up my mind," answered Sam, embarrassed. He well knew that it would be very foolish for him to engage board at a first-class hotel. "Parker's is a good hotel," suggested Julia. "It's on School Street, not far from here." "I would recommend a boarding-house," said Mrs. Stockton. "The Parker House is expensive, and, if Mr. Barker is going to stay for some time he may wish to get along more economically." "I think I shall," said Sam. "Be sure and call again," said Julia, extending her hand. "We shall be glad to see you again, Mr. Barker," said Mrs. Stockton, cordially. "Mr. Stockton will wish to thank you for your attention to Julia." Sam thanked her, and went out into the street. He had enjoyed a good breakfast, and been cordially received by a lady who evidently stood high socially; and these circumstances contributed to put him in good spirits. "I like Boston," he thought. "The people take more notice of a fellow than they do in New York." Sam was generalizing upon his very limited experience, and perhaps might be led hereafter to change his views. "Julia spoke of Parker's Hotel," he said to himself. "I guess I'll inquire where it is, and take a look at it." "Where is Parker's Hotel?" he asked of a boy who overtook him near the State House. "It's on School Street. I'm going as far as Tremont Street myself, and you can come along with me," answered the boy. "Thank you," said Sam. "I am a stranger in Boston, and don't know my way." "Are you going to stop at Parker's?" "I don't think I shall; I am afraid they will charge too much." "It's pretty high-priced," said his new acquaintance. "Do you know what they charge for a room?"