"Quite fair, but not so large as some," returned Ezra Little. "I am cramped for room. I think of taking in the adjoining store next year."
"Not so fast as I should like. Expenses are very large. How would you like to run a store like this, Cousin Seth?" he added, in a complaisant tone.
"Not very well. I might like to own it, but I don't think dry goods are in my line."
"I fancy not," said Ezra, in a tone of calm superiority. "It takes some business ability to run a large store."
"No doubt you have the necessary ability," observed Seth, with a smile.
"I hope Scott will be as successful as you have been."
"It isn't every one who works in a dry-goods store who rises beyond a salesman," returned Ezra Little, with a cold glance at Scott.
As the proprietor of the store passed on to his office, Seth Lawton said: "Have you been out to lunch, Scott?"
"I am sorry. I would have invited you to lunch with me."
"Thank you. Perhaps I can go some other day."
"Good-afternoon, then. Remember to-morrow evening."
On the way home from the store, Scott took the opportunity to speak of a new suit.
"Mr. Little," he said, "I am afraid I shall have to ask you for some new clothes."
"What's the matter with those you are wearing?" asked Ezra Little, coldly.
"The trousers are frayed around the bottoms, and the coat is getting faded."
"You seem to have high notions for a poor boy," continued his employer, in a tone of displeasure.
"I like to look neat," Scott answered, with spirit.
"You are as well dressed as most of the boys who work in the store."
"They are cash boys, while I am behind the counter. Besides, I don't ask you to pay out of your own pocket."
"That is just what I will have to do if I comply with your request."
"You have forty dollars of mine, Mr. Little; the money I handed you when I went into the store."
"You seem to forget that this is to pay the difference between what you receive--a home--and what you would get in any other store like mine."
"Don't you think I earn my board?" asked Scott, mortified.
"No, of course not. Did Mr. Lawton put you up to asking for new clothes?"
"He said he thought I needed some new ones."
"Just as I thought. It won't be long, probably, before he wants you to borrow money on his account."