Horatio Alger

“ Phil regarded him with increased interest.
"I am flattered by your selecting me," said he. "I will keep your secret."
"Phil," said Mr. Wilbur, in a tragic tone, "you may be surprised to hear that I am in LOVE!"
Phil started and wanted to laugh, but Mr. Wilbur's serious, earnest look restrained him.
"Ain't you rather young?" he ventured to say.
"No; I am nineteen," answered Mr. Wilbur.
"The heart makes no account of years."
Whether this was original or borrowed, Phil could not tell.
"Have you been in love long?" asked Phil. ”

“ Work cheerfully and you will win the good opinion of your employer. Don't forget to come up and see me soon."
"Thank you, sir."
"You seem to be pretty solid with the old man," remarked Mr. Wilbur.
"We are on very good terms," answered Phil, smiling.
"I wish you had introduced him to me," said Wilbur.
"Don't you know him?" asked Phil, in surprise.
"He doesn't often come to the store, and when he does he generally goes at once to the office, and the clerks don't have a chance to get acquainted."
"I should hardly like to take the liberty, then," said Phil. ”

“ This comprised the list of boarders, but Phil's attention was called to a young girl of fourteen, of sweet and attractive appearance, whom he ascertained to be a daughter of Mrs. Forbush. The young lady herself, Julia Forbush, cast frequent glances at Phil, who, being an unusually good-looking boy, would naturally excite the notice of a young girl.
On the whole, it seemed a pleasant and social circle, and Phil felt that he had found a home.
The next day, as he was occupied in the store, next to G. Washington Wilbur, he heard that young man say:
"Why, there's Mr. Carter coming into the store!" ”