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CHAPTER XIII OUT OF BUSINESS
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 The next day Mrs. Hoffman commenced work upon Mr. Preston's shirts. She worked with much more cheerfulness now that she was sure of obtaining a liberal price for her labor1. As the shirts were of extra size, she found herself unable to finish one in a day, as she had formerly2 done, but had no difficulty in making four in a week. This, however, gave her five dollars weekly, instead of a dollar and a half as formerly. Now, five dollars may not seem a very large sum to some of my young readers, but to Mrs. Hoffman it seemed excellent compensation for a week's work.
“If I could only earn as much every week,” she said to Paul on Saturday evening, “I should feel quite rich.”
“Your work will last three weeks, mother, and perhaps at the end of that time some of Mr. Preston's friends may wish to employ you.”
“I hope they will.”
“How much do you think I have made?” continued Paul.
“Six dollars.”
“Seven dollars and a half.”
“So between us we have earned over twelve dollars.”
“I wish I could earn something,” said little Jimmy, looking up from his drawing.
“There's time enough for that, Jimmy. You are going to be a great artist one of these days.”
“Do you really think I shall?” asked the little boy, wistfully.
“I think there is a good chance of it. Let me see what you are drawing.”
The picture upon which Jimmy was at work represented a farmer standing3 upright in a cart, drawn4 by a sturdy, large-framed horse. The copy bore a close resemblance to the original, even in the most difficult portions—the face and expression, both in the man and the horse, being carefully reproduced.
“This is wonderful, Jimmy,” exclaimed Paul, in real surprise. “Didn't you find it hard to get the man's face just right?”
“Rather hard,” said Jimmy; “I had to be careful, but I like best the parts where I have to take the most pains.”
“I wish I could afford to hire a teacher for you,” said Paul. “Perhaps, if mother and I keep on earning so much money, we shall be able to some time.”
By the middle of the next week six of the shirts were finished, and Paul, as had been agreed upon, carried them up to Mr. Preston. He was fortunate enough to find him at home.
“I hope they will suit you,” said Paul.
“I can see that the sewing is excellent,” said Mr. Preston, examining them. “As to the fit, I can tell better after I have tried one on.”
“Mother made them just like the one you sent; but if there is anything wrong, she will, of course, be ready to alter them.”
“If they are just like the pattern, they will be sure to suit me.”
“And now, my young friend,” he added, “let me know how you are getting on in your own business.”
“I am making a dollar a day, sometimes a little more.”
“That is very good.”
“Yes, sir; but it won't last long.”
“I believe you told me that the stand belonged to some one else.”
“Yes, sir; I am only tending it in his sickness; but he is getting better, and when he gets about again, I shall be thrown out of business.”
“But you don't look like one who would remain idle long.”
“No, sir; I shall be certain to find something to do, if it is only blacking boots.”
“Have you ever been in that business?”
“I've tried about everything,” said Paul, laughing.
“I suppose you wouldn't enjoy boot-blacking much?”
“No, sir; but I would rather do that than be earning nothing.”
“You are quite right there, and I am glad you have no false shame in the matter. There are plenty who have. For instance, a stout5, broad-shouldered young fellow applied6 to me thus morning for a clerkship. He said he had come to the city in search of employment, and had nearly expended7 all his money without finding anything to do. I told him I couldn't give him a clerkship, but was in want of a porter. I offered him the place at two dollars per day. He drew back, and said he should not be willing to accept a porter's place.”
“He was very foolish,” said Paul.
“So I thought. I told him that if such were his feelings, I could not help him. Perhaps he may regret his refusal, when he is reduced to his last penny. By the way, whenever you have to give up your stand, you may come to me, and I will see what I can do for you.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“And now, about these shirts; I believe I agreed to pay a dollar and a quarter each.”
“Yes, sir.”
“As they are of extra size, I think I ought to pay twelve shillings, instead of ten.”
“My mother thinks herself well paid at ten shillings.”
“There must be a great deal of work about one. Twelve shillings are none too much,” and Mr. Preston placed nine dollars in Paul's hand.
“Thank you,” said Paul, gratefully. “My mother will consider herself very lucky.”
When Mrs. Hoffman received from Paul a dollar and a half more than she anticipated, she felt in unusually good spirits. She had regretted the loss of her former poorly paid work, but it appeared that her seeming misfortune had only prepared the way for greater prosperity. The trouble was that it would not last. Still, it would tide over the dull time, and when this job was over, she might be able to resume her old employment. At any rate, while the future seemed uncertain, she did not feel like increasing her expenditures8 on account of her increased earnings9, but laid carefully away three-quarters of her receipts to use hereafter in case of need.
Meanwhile, Paul continued to take care of George Barry's business. He had been obliged to renew the stock, his large sales having materially reduced it. Twice a week he went up to see his principal to report sales. George Barry could not conceal10 the surprise he felt at Paul's success.
“I never thought you would do so well,” he said. “You beat me.”
“I suppose it's because I like it,” said Paul. “Then, as I get only half the profits, I have to work the harder to make fair wages.”
“It is fortunate for my son that he found you to take his place,” said Mrs. Barry. “He could not afford to lose all the income from his business.”
“It is a good thing for both of us,” said Paul. “I was looking for a job just when he fell sick.”
“What had you been doing before?”
“I was in the prize-package business, but that got played out, and I was a gentleman at large, seeking for a light, genteel business that wouldn't require much capital.”
“I shall be able to take my place pretty soon now,” said the young man. “I might go to-morrow, but mother thinks it imprudent.”
“Better get back your strength first, George,” said his mother, “or you may fall sick again.”
But her son was impatient of confinement11 and anxious to get to work again. So, two days afterward12, about the middle of the forenoon, Paul was surprised by seeing George Barry get out of a Broadway omnibus, just in front of the stand.
“Can I sell you a necktie, Mr. Barry?” he asked, in a joke.
“I almost feel like a stranger,” said Barry, “it's so long since I have been here.”
“Do you feel strong enough to take charge now?” asked Paul.
“I am not so strong as I was, and the walk from our rooms would tire me; but I think if I rode both ways for the present I shall be able to get along.”
“Then you won't need me any longer?”
“I would like to have you stay with me to-day. I don't know how I shall hold out.”
“All right! I'll stop.”
George Barry remained in attendance the rest of the day. He found that his strength had so far returned that he should be able to manage alone hereafter, and he told Paul so.
“I am glad you are well again, George,” said Paul. “It must have been dull work staying at home sick.”
“Yes, it was dull; but I felt more comfortable from knowing that you were taking my place. If I get sick again I will send for you.”
“I hope you won't get sick; but if you do, I will do what I can to help you.”
So the two parted on the best of terms. Each had been of service to the other, and neither had cause to complain.
“Well,” said Paul to himself, “I am out of work again. What shall I go at next?”
It was six o'clock, and there was nothing to be done till the morrow. He went slowly homeward, revolving13 this subject in his mind. He knew that he need not remain idle. He could black boots, or sell newspapers, if nothing better offered, and he thought it quite possible that he might adopt the latter business, for a few days at least. He had not forgotten Mr. Preston's injunction to let him know when he got out of business; but, as the second half dozen shirts would be ready in three or four days, he preferred to wait till then, and not make a special call on Mr Preston. He had considerable independence of feeling, and didn't like to put himself in the position of one asking a favor, though he had no objection to accept one voluntarily offered.
“Well, mother,” he said, entering his humble14 home, “I am out of business.”
“Has George recovered, then?”
“Yes, he was at the stand to-day, but wanted me to stay with him till this evening.”
“Oh, I'm so sorry!” said Jimmy.
“Sorry that George has got well? For shame, Jimmy!”
“No, I don't mean that, Paul. I am sorry you are out of work.”
“I shall find plenty to do, Jimmy. Perhaps Mr. Stewart will take me in as senior partner, if I ask him.”
“I don't think he will,” said Jimmy, laughing.
“Then perhaps I can get a few scholars in drawing. Can't you recommend me?”
“I am afraid not, Paul, unless you have improved a good deal.”
 

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1 labor P9Tzs     
n.劳动,努力,工作,劳工;分娩;vi.劳动,努力,苦干;vt.详细分析;麻烦
参考例句:
  • We are never late in satisfying him for his labor.我们从不延误付给他劳动报酬。
  • He was completely spent after two weeks of hard labor.艰苦劳动两周后,他已经疲惫不堪了。
2 formerly ni3x9     
adv.从前,以前
参考例句:
  • We now enjoy these comforts of which formerly we had only heard.我们现在享受到了过去只是听说过的那些舒适条件。
  • This boat was formerly used on the rivers of China.这船从前航行在中国内河里。
3 standing 2hCzgo     
n.持续,地位;adj.永久的,不动的,直立的,不流动的
参考例句:
  • After the earthquake only a few houses were left standing.地震过后只有几幢房屋还立着。
  • They're standing out against any change in the law.他们坚决反对对法律做任何修改。
4 drawn MuXzIi     
v.拖,拉,拔出;adj.憔悴的,紧张的
参考例句:
  • All the characters in the story are drawn from life.故事中的所有人物都取材于生活。
  • Her gaze was drawn irresistibly to the scene outside.她的目光禁不住被外面的风景所吸引。
6 applied Tz2zXA     
adj.应用的;v.应用,适用
参考例句:
  • She plans to take a course in applied linguistics.她打算学习应用语言学课程。
  • This cream is best applied to the face at night.这种乳霜最好晚上擦脸用。
7 expended 39b2ea06557590ef53e0148a487bc107     
v.花费( expend的过去式和过去分词 );使用(钱等)做某事;用光;耗尽
参考例句:
  • She expended all her efforts on the care of home and children. 她把所有精力都花在料理家务和照顾孩子上。
  • The enemy had expended all their ammunition. 敌人已耗尽所有的弹药。 来自《简明英汉词典》
8 expenditures 2af585403f5a51eeaa8f7b29110cc2ab     
n.花费( expenditure的名词复数 );使用;(尤指金钱的)支出额;(精力、时间、材料等的)耗费
参考例句:
  • We have overspent.We'll have to let up our expenditures next month. 我们已经超支了,下个月一定得节约开支。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • The pension includes an allowance of fifty pounds for traffic expenditures. 年金中包括50镑交通费补贴。 来自《简明英汉词典》
9 earnings rrWxJ     
n.工资收人;利润,利益,所得
参考例句:
  • That old man lives on the earnings of his daughter.那个老人靠他女儿的收入维持生活。
  • Last year there was a 20% decrease in his earnings.去年他的收入减少了20%。
10 conceal DpYzt     
v.隐藏,隐瞒,隐蔽
参考例句:
  • He had to conceal his identity to escape the police.为了躲避警方,他只好隐瞒身份。
  • He could hardly conceal his joy at his departure.他几乎掩饰不住临行时的喜悦。
11 confinement qpOze     
n.幽禁,拘留,监禁;分娩;限制,局限
参考例句:
  • He spent eleven years in solitary confinement.他度过了11年的单独监禁。
  • The date for my wife's confinement was approaching closer and closer.妻子分娩的日子越来越近了。
12 afterward fK6y3     
adv.后来;以后
参考例句:
  • Let's go to the theatre first and eat afterward. 让我们先去看戏,然后吃饭。
  • Afterward,the boy became a very famous artist.后来,这男孩成为一个很有名的艺术家。
13 revolving 3jbzvd     
adj.旋转的,轮转式的;循环的v.(使)旋转( revolve的现在分词 );细想
参考例句:
  • The theatre has a revolving stage. 剧院有一个旋转舞台。
  • The company became a revolving-door workplace. 这家公司成了工作的中转站。
14 humble ddjzU     
adj.谦卑的,恭顺的;地位低下的;v.降低,贬低
参考例句:
  • In my humble opinion,he will win the election.依我拙见,他将在选举中获胜。
  • Defeat and failure make people humble.挫折与失败会使人谦卑。


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