“I am glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Drummond,” said the newcomer, politely.

 

“How do you do?” said Joshua, awkwardly.

 

“Mrs. Foster says you will be willing to take a roommate. I am sure we should get on well together. At first, I was a little doubtful, but now that I have seen you I shall be glad to take the room.”

 

“I should like it, too,” said Joshua, flattered by the stranger’s words.

 

“Then it is agreed; I will come to-night. Five dollars a week, I think you said, Mrs. Foster?”

 

“Yes, sir. It would be eight dollars if you roomed alone.”

 

“Precisely. We shall be worth three dollars a week to each other, Mr. Drummond. That is what I call a good arrangement, to secure an agreeable roommate, and be paid for it.”

 

The newcomer was a middle-sized man, of easy manners and fluent speech. Joshua, who was not much accustomed to the world, was quite captivated by his politeness and compliments, and the prospect² of having him for a roommate was rather pleasant than otherwise. He was tired of solitude³, having no friend in Chicago, and thought he would like company.

 

Mr. Remington moved to his new quarters in the evening about eight o’clock. Joshua was alone, finding the time hang rather heavily upon his hands.

 

“Have you been long in Chicago, Mr. Drummond?” asked Remington.

 

“Only four days.”

 

“You came from the East, I suppose?”

 

“From New York.”

 

“Ah, indeed! Big place that.”

 

“Yes, it is.”

 

“Do you expect to stay here long?”

 

“Well,” said Joshua, hesitatingly, “that depends on whether I can get a place. I am looking for something to do.”

 

“Indeed! I thought you already in business.”

 

“Did you?”

 

“Yes, you have a business air about you.”

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