Part 42 (1/2)
”I am quite satisfied with your disposal of it, Paul,” said Mrs.
Hoffman. ”I little thought, when I found the ring, that it would be of such service to us.”
”It has set me up in business,” said Paul, ”and I am sure to make money. But I am getting out of stock. I must go round and buy some more neckties to-morrow.”
”How much do you pay for your ties, Paul?” asked his mother.
”One s.h.i.+lling; I sell them for two. That gives me a good profit.”
”I wonder whether I couldn't make them?” said Mrs. Hoffman. ”I find there is no sewing at present to be got, and, besides,” she added, ”I think I would rather work for you than for a stranger.”
”There is no need of your working, mother. I can earn enough to support the family.”
”While I have health I would prefer to work, Paul.”
”Then I will bring round some of the ties to-morrow. I have two or three kinds. There is nothing very hard about any of them. I think they would be easy to make.”
”That will suit me much better than making s.h.i.+rts.”
”Suppose I admit you to the firm, mother? I can get a large signboard, and have painted on it:
PAUL HOFFMAN AND MOTHER, DEALERS IN NECKTIES.