But when Harry alluded to Edward, both Katy and her mother suddenly grew red. They acknowledged that they had sent for him in their extremity, but that he did not come till the next morning, when the bounty of the stable boy had relieved them from the bitterness of want. The mother dropped a tear as she spoke of the wayward son; and Harry had not the heart to press the inquiries he had come to make. After speaking as well as he dared to speak of Edward, he took his leave, and hastened to the establishment of Wake & Wade, to apply for the vacant place. He had put on his best clothes, and his appearance this time was very creditable. Entering the store, he inquired for Edward Flint; and that gentleman was summoned to receive him. "Hallo, Harry West!" said Edward, when he recognized his visitor. "I declare I forgot all about you." "I thought likely," replied Harry, willing to be very charitable to the delinquent. "The fact is, we have been so busy in the store I haven't had time to call on you, as I promised." "Never mind, now. Is the place filled?" "No." "I am glad to hear that. Do you think there is any chance for me?" "Well, I don't know. I will do what I can for you." "Thank you, Edward." "Wait here a moment till I speak with one of the partners." The clerk left him, and was absent but a moment, when Harry was summoned to the private room of Mr. Wake. The gentleman questioned him for a few moments, and seemed to be pleased with his address and his frankness. The result of the interview was that our hero was engaged at a salary of three dollars a week, though it was objected to him that he had no parents residing in the city. "I thought I could fix it," said Edward, complacently, as they left the counting room. "I am much obliged to you, Edward," replied Harry, willing to humor his new friend. "Now I want to get a place to board." "That is easy enough." "Where do you board?" "In Green Street." "How much do you pay a week?" "Two dollars and a half." "I can't pay that." "Well, I suppose you can't." "I was thinking of something just now. Suppose we should both board with your mother." "Me?" "Yes." "What, in a ten-footer!" exclaimed Edward, starting back with astonishment and indignation at the proposal. "Why not? If it is good enough for your mother, isn't it good enough for you?" "Humph! I'll bet it won't suit me." "We can fix up a room to suit ourselves, you know. And it will be much cheaper for both of us." "That, indeed; but the idea of boarding with the old man is not to be thought of." "I should think you would like to be with your mother and your brothers and sisters." "Not particular about it." "Better think of it, Edward." The clerk promised to think about it, but did not consider it very probable that he should agree to the proposition.