"Yes, sir. I bring you a note of introduction from Mrs. Harvey.""Ah yes, my sister. Let me see it."The note was of some length. That is, it covered three pages of note paper. Mr. Sargent read it attentively.
"My sister recommends you as tutor for my little son, Arthur,"he said, as he folded up the letter.
"Yes, sir; she suggested that I might perhaps suit you in that capacity.""She also says that you found and restored to her a valuable box of jewelry which she was careless enough to drop near Tiffany's.""Yes, sir.""I have a good deal of confidence in my sister's good judgment.
She evidently regards you very favorably."
"I am glad of that sir,"
"Will you tell me something of your qualifications? Arthur is about to commence Latin. He is not old enough for Greek.""I could teach either, sir.""And of course you are well up in English branches?""I think I am.""My sister hints that you are poor, and obliged to earn your own living. How, then, have you been able to secure so good an education?""I have only been poor for a short time. My father left me fifty thousand dollars, but it was lost by my guardian.""Who was your guardian?""Mr. Benjamin Fielding."
"I knew him well. I don't think he was an unprincipled man, but he was certainly imprudent, and was led into acts that were reprehensible. Did he lose all your money for you?""Yes, sir.""What did you do?"
"Left the boarding school where I was being educated, and came to this city.""Did you obtain any employment?""Yes, sir; I have been employed for a short time by Otis Goodnow, a merchant of Reade Street.""And why did you leave?""Because Mr. Goodnow missed some articles from his stock, and Iwas charged with taking them."Rodney was fearful of the effect of his frank confession upon Mr. Sargent, but the latter soon reassured him.
"Your honesty in restoring my sister's jewelry is sufficient proof that the charge was unfounded. I shall not let it influence me.""Thank you, sir.""Now as to the position of teacher, though very young, I don't see why you should not fill it satisfactorily. I will call Arthur."He went to the door and called "Arthur."A delicate looking boy with a sweet, intelligent face, came running into the room.
"Do you want me, papa?"
"Yes, Arthur. I have a new friend for you. Will you shake hands with him?"Arthur, who was not a shy boy, went up at once to Rodney and offered his hand.
"I am glad to see you," he said.
Rodney smiled. He was quite taken with the young boy.
"What's your name?" the latter asked.
"Rodney Ropes."
"Are you going to stay and make us a visit?"
Mr. Sargent answered this question.
"Would you like to have Rodney stay?" he asked.
"Oh yes."
"How would you like to have him give you lessons in Latin and other studies?""I should like it. I am sure he wouldn't be cross. Are you a teacher, Rodney?""I will be your teacher if you are willing to have me.""Yes, I should like it. And will you go to walk with me in Central Park?""Yes.""Then, papa, you may as well engage him. I was afraid you would get a tiresome old man for my teacher.""That settles it, Rodney," said Mr. Sargent, smiling.
"Now, Arthur, run out and I will speak further with Rodney about you.""All right, papa.""As Arthur seems to like you, I will give you a trial. As he suggested, I should like to have you become his companion as well as teacher. You will come here at nine o'clock in the morning, and stay till four, taking lunch with your pupil.
About the compensation, will you tell me what will be satisfactory to you?""I prefer to leave that to you, sir.""Then we will say fifteen dollars a week--today is Thursday.
Will you present yourself here next Monday morning?""Yes, sir.""If you would like an advance of salary, you need only say so.""Thank you, sir, but I am fairly provided with money for the present.""Then nothing more need be said. As I am to meet a gentleman at the Union League Club tonight, I will bid you good evening, and expect to see you on Monday."Rodney rose and Mr. Sargent accompanied him to the door, shaking hands with him courteously by way of farewell.
Rodney emerged into the street in a state of joyous excitement.
Twenty five dollars in his pocket, and fifteen dollars a week!
He could hardly credit his good fortune.
