Chapter XXXIII. From Albany to Niagara - Page 2

the bottom. I think I have a taste for it, and the superintendent tells me I am making remarkable progress. The time was when I would have hesitated to become a working boy, but I have quite got over such foolishness. Mr. Jennings, my employer, who is considered a rich man, began as I did, and I hope some day to occupy a position similar to his.

"I trust you are quite well and happy, dear father. My only regret is, that I cannot see you occasionally. While my stepmother and Peter form part of your family, I feel that I can never live at home. They both dislike me, and I am afraid I return the feeling. If you are sick or need me, do not fail to send for me, for I can never forget that you are my father, as I am your affectionate son,

Carl."

This letter was handed to Dr. Crawford at the breakfast table. He colored and looked agitated when he opened the envelope, and Mrs. Crawford, who had a large share of curiosity, did not fail to notice this.

"From whom is your letter, my dear?" she asked, in the soft tone which was habitual with her when she addressed her husband

"The handwriting is Carl's," answered Dr. Crawford, already devouring the letter eagerly.

"Oh!" she answered, in a chilly tone. "I have been expecting you would hear from him. How much money does he send for?"

"I have not finished the letter." Dr. Crawford continued reading. When he had finished he laid it down beside his plate.

"Well?" said his wife, interrogatively. "What does he have to say? Does he ask leave to come home?"

"No; he is quite content where he is."

"And where is that?"

"At Milford."

"That is not far away?"

"No; not more than sixty miles."

"Does he ask for money?"

"No; he is employed."

"Where?"

"In a furniture factory."

"Oh, a factory boy."

"Yes; he is learning the business."

"He doesn't seem to be very ambitious," sneered Mrs. Crawford.

"On the contrary, he is looking forward to being in business for himself some day."

"On your money--I understand."

"Really, Mrs. Crawford, you do the boy injustice. He hints nothing of the kind. He evidently means to raise himself gradually as his employer did before him. By the way, he has a home in his employer's family. I think Mr. Jennings must have taken a fancy to Carl."

"I hope he will find him more agreeable than I did," said Mrs. Crawford, sharply.

"Are you quite sure that you always treated Carl considerately, my dear?"

"I didn't flatter or fondle him, if that is what you mean. I treated him as