human
Well, you may be seated, said Mr. Goldwin;
gpt
I wish to see what this young man has to say for himself before engaging any one.
human
So you came from Vermont, right from the farm?
gpt
Yes, sir,
human
And I suppose you expect to make your fortune in this city?
gpt
I have not got so far along as that yet, sir. I hope, however, that I shall do well here.
human
You look like a plucky lad, and those red cheeks of yours are worth a fortune. I remember well when mine were as full of rich young blood as yours are now. I was a country lad myself.
gpt
Then your career shows that a boy from the country may make a success.
human
Yes, that is very true. Many of our most successful men came from the farm; but I assure you, my boy, that success is not an easy thing to pick up in a big city. The chances are a hundred to one against any boy who comes here from the country. If, however, he does not succumb to temptation, and has sufficient pluck and perseverance, he can do well in this city.
gpt
I am quite ready to take that hundredth chance,
human
Well, I admire your courage, young man, but now to return to business. Suppose I were to give you a situation, how could you live on three dollars a week? You say you have no means, and must earn your own living. I cannot pay a larger salary at first.
gpt
I am sure I can manage that all right, sir; one can do what he must do.
human
That is true; your ideas are sound there, surely. What is your age?
gpt
I am nearly seventeen, sir.
human
You are so strongly built, perhaps you could get a place where more money could be paid for your services; some place where heavy work is to be done.
gpt
I am not afraid of hard work, for I have always been accustomed to it; but I would much rather have a chance where there are good prospects ahead.
human
Again you are right, said the banker, now becoming interested in the young Vermonter.
gpt
What is your education?
human
I passed through our district school, and went for several terms to the Green Mountain Academy. I have taught three terms of school.
gpt
Three terms! You certainly must have commenced young.
human
Yes; I was not very old. I got my first school when I was fifteen.
gpt
Do you write a good hand? Please come to this desk, and show me what you can do.