Horatio Alger

“ I think I will go to work, tomorrow morning."
"What sort of work?"
"Selling matches."
"Do you like to sell matches?"
"I like it better than selling papers, or blacking boots."
"But you wouldn't like better to be in a store?"
"I couldn't get a place," said Mark.
"Why not?"
"My clothes are ragged," said the match boy with some hesitation. "Besides I haven't got anybody to refer to."
"Can't you refer to your guardian?" asked Richard Hunter, smiling.
"Do you think I had better try to get a place in a store, Mr. Hunter?" asked Mark. ”

“ You're a good boy, Mark, but you must remember that I am your guardian, and am to be obeyed as such. You're not going back to the Lodge to live. I have arranged to have you stay with me at my boarding-place. As soon as you have got a place you will work in the daytime, and every Saturday night you will bring me your money. In the evening I shall have you study a little, for I don't want you to grow up as ignorant as I was at your age. ”

“ They won't let her come away on account of likin' her company so much."
"I hope I shall never see her again," said Mark, with a shudder. "She is a wicked old woman. But I must be going, Ben."
"I s'pose you'll come and see a feller now and then."
"Yes, Ben, when I get time. But I hope to get a place soon."
Mark walked leisurely up Broadway. Having been confined to the house for three weeks, he enjoyed the excitement of being out in the street once more. The shop windows looked brighter and gayer than before, and the little match boy felt that the world was a very pleasant place after all. ”