Horatio Alger

“ I pay fifty cents a week for my room, and my meals don't cost me much."
"But you will want clothes."
"I have enough for the present, and I am laying up fifty cents a week to buy more when I need them."
"You can't buy many for twenty-six dollars a year. But that doesn't allow anything for your sister's expenses."
"That is what puzzles me, sir," said Frank, fixing a troubled glance upon the fire. "I shall have to work in the evenings for Grace." ”

“ Where did you attend school?"
"Only in the town school, sir."
"You have, at any rate, made good use of your advantages."
"But will it do me any good, sir?" asked Frank.
"People are not paid for reading, are they?"
"Not in general, but we will suppose the case of a person whose eyes are weak, and likely to be badly affected by evening use. Then suppose such a person could secure the services of a good, clear, distinct reader, don't you think he would be willing to pay something?"
"I suppose so. Do you know of any such person?" asked Frank.
"I am describing myself, Frank. ”

“ A year since I strained my eyes very severely, and have never dared to use them much since by gaslight. Mrs. Bradley, my housekeeper, has read to me some, but she has other duties, and I don't think she enjoys it very much. ”