At the fourth house, the servant called her mistress, a kind,
motherly-looking woman, who seemed to regard Frank with more interest
than his merchandise.
"I hope you are succeeding well," she said, kindly.
"This is my first day," said Frank, "and I have made one sale."
"I have a son who is an agent like you, but he didn't begin so young.
He is now traveling in the West."
"What is he selling?" asked Frank, with interest.
"Dry goods. He travels for a wholesale house in New York."
"I suppose he is a young man."
"Yes; he is twenty-five, but he began at nineteen in a small way. He
sometimes got quite discouraged at first. That is why I feel interested
in any who are passing through the same experience."
These pleasant words cheered Frank. Only at the nearest house he had
been called a tramp, but here he found that he was regarded with
consideration.
"It is rather uphill work," said Frank.
"And you seem very young."
"I am sixteen."
"Are you entirely dependent on what you earn?" asked the lady,
sympathizingly.
"Not entirely," answered the young merchant, "but I hope to make a
living in this or some other way. Can I sell you any?" he asked,
hopefully.
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