Part 20 (1/2)
”Thank you, Oscar, but perhaps you can secure Fletcher's company.
That will be much better than that of a 'printer's devil' like myself.”
”It may show bad taste, but I should prefer your company, notwithstanding your low employment.”
”Thank you, Oscar. I am much obliged.”
”Fitz has been hinting to me how nice it would be for us to go off somewhere together, but I don't see it in that light. I asked him why he didn't secure board with his cousin, the tin-pedler, but that made him angry, and he walked away in disgust. But I can't help pitying you a little, Harry.”
”Why? On account of my occupation?”
”Partly. All these warm summer days, you have got to be working at the case, while I can lounge in the shade, or travel for pleasure.
Sha'n't you have a vacation?”
”I don't expect any. I don't think I could well be spared. However, I don't mind it. I hope to do good deal of studying while you are gone.”
”And I sha'n't do any.”
”Neither would I, perhaps, in your position. But there's a good deal of difference between us. You are a Latin and Greek scholar, and can talk French, while I am at the bottom of the ladder. I have no time to lose.”
”You have begun to mount the ladder, Harry. Don't be discouraged.
You can climb up.”
”But I must work for it. I haven't got high enough up to stop and rest. But there is one question I want to ask you, before you go.”
”What is it?”
”What French book would you recommend after I have finished this Reader? I am nearly through now.”
”Telemaque will be a good book to take next. It is easy and interesting. Have you got a French dictionary?”
”No; but I can buy one.”
”You can use mine while I am gone. You may as well have it as not.
I have no copy of Telemaque, but I will send you one from Boston.”
”Agreed, provided you will let me pay you for it.”
”So I would, if I had to buy one. But I have got an old copy, not very ornamental, but complete. I will send it through the mail.”
”Thank you, Oscar. How kind you are!”
”Don't flatter me, Harry. The favors you refer to are but trifles.
I will ask a favor of you in return.”
”I wish you would.”
”Then help me pack my trunk. There's nothing I detest so much.
Generally I tumble things in helter-skelter, and get a good scolding from mother for doing it, when she inspects my trunk.”