Driven from Home; Or, Carl Crawford's Experience
Page 31
CHAPTER XXXI.
CARL TAKES SUPPER WITH MISS NORRIS.
"This is my family," said Miss Norris, pointing to the cats.
"I like cats," said Carl.
"Do you?" returned Miss Norris, looking pleased. "Most boys tease them.Do you see poor Molly's ear? That wound came from a stone thrown by abad boy."
"Many boys are cruel," said Carl, "but I remember that my mother wasvery fond of cats, and I have always protected them from abuse."
As he spoke he stroked Molly, who purred an acknowledgment of hisattention. This completed the conquest of Miss Norris, who inwardlydecided that Carl was the finest boy she had ever met. After she hadserved Carl from the dishes on the table, she poured out two saucers ofmilk and set one before each cat, who, rising upon her hind legs, placedher forepaws on the table, and gravely partook of the refreshmentsprovided. Jane and Molly were afterwards regaled with cold meat, andthen, stretching themselves out on their chairs, closed their eyes inplacid content.
During the meal Miss Norris questioned Carl closely as to his homeexperiences. Having no reason for concealment Carl frankly related histroubles with his stepmother, eliciting expressions of sympathy andapproval from his hostess.
"Your stepmother must be an ugly creature?" she said.
"I am afraid I am prejudiced against her," said Carl, "but that is myopinion."
"Your father must be very weak to be influenced against his own son bysuch a woman."
Carl winced a little at this outspoken criticism, for he was attached tohis father in spite of his unjust treatment.
"My father is an invalid," he said, apologetically, "and I think heyielded for the sake of peace."
"All the same, he ought not to do it," said Miss Norris. "Do you everexpect to live at home again?"
"Not while my stepmother is there," answered Carl. "But I don't knowthat I should care to do so under any circumstances, as I am nowreceiving a business training. I should like to make a little visithome," he added, thoughtfully, "and perhaps I may do so after Ireturn from Chicago. I shall have no favors to ask, and shall feelindependent."
"If you ever need a home," said Miss Norris, abruptly, "come here. Youwill be welcome."
"Thank you very much," said Carl, gratefully. "It is all the more kindin you since you have known me so short a time."
"I have known you long enough to judge of you," said the maiden lady."And now if you won't have anything more we will go into the next roomand talk business."
Carl followed her into the adjoining room, and Miss Norris at onceplunged into the subject. She handed him a business card bearing thisinscription:
JOHN FRENCH, BOOTS, SHOES AND RUBBER GOODS, 42a State Street, CHICAGO.
"This young man wants me to lend him two thousand dollars to extend hisbusiness," she said. "He is the son of an old school friend, and I amwilling to oblige him if he is a sober, steady and economical businessman. I want you to find out whether this is the case and report to me."
"Won't that be difficult?" asked Carl.
"Are you afraid to undertake anything that is difficult?"
"No," answered Carl, with a smile. "I was only afraid I might not do thework satisfactorily."
"I shall give you no instructions," said Miss Norris. "I shall trust toyour good judgment. I will give you a letter to Mr. French, which youcan use or not, as you think wise. Of course, I shall see that you arepaid for your trouble."
"Thank you," said Carl. "I hope my services may be worth compensation."
"I don't know how you are situated as to money, but I can give you somein advance," and the old lady opened her pocketbook.
"No, thank you, Miss Norris; I shall not need it. I might have beenshort if you had not kindly paid me a reward for a slight service."
"Slight, indeed! If you had lost a bank book like mine you would be gladto get it back at such a price. If you will catch the rascal who stoleit I will gladly pay you as much more."
"I wish I might for my own sake, but I am afraid it would be too late torecover my money and clothing."
At an early hour Carl left the house, promising to write to Miss Norrisfrom Chicago.