Horatio Alger

“ Bradley was not a very agreeable woman.
"You ought to have a good appetite," said Mr. Wharton. "You have to work hard during the day. Our young friend is a cash-boy at Gilbert & Mack's, Mrs. Bradley.
"Oh, indeed!" said Mrs. Bradley, arching her brows as much as to say: "You have invited strange company to dinner."
"Do your parents live in the city, Frank--I believe your name is Frank?"
"No, sir; they are dead. My mother died only a few weeks since." ”

“ The one at the head of the table was of course occupied by the old gentleman, the one opposite by Mrs. Bradley, his housekeeper, and one at the side was placed for Frank.
"Mrs. Bradley," said the old gentleman, "this is a young gentleman who was kind enough to help me home after the accident of which I just spoke to you. I would mention his name, but I must leave that to him."
"Frank Fowler, sir."
"And my name is Wharton. Now that we are all introduced, we can talk more freely." ”

“ Several days passed without showing Frank any way by which he could increase his income. Jasper again offered to give him two dollars a week out of his own wages, but this our hero steadily refused.
One Friday evening, just as the store was about to close, the head salesman called Frank to him.
"Where do you live?" he asked. ”