Ruby's Reward — page 22: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

‘No, sir, 1 cannot make up my mind to enter a counting-rooin—TI have no taste for that kind of life ; while it seemed like a waste of time ta attempt to carn my ‘living and study evenings. I should pre- fer to begin upon the business I have in mind, and work for less for awhile, for I should feel that I am learning all the time. I have heard it said,” he added, with asmile, “ ‘oncea clerk always a clerk,’ and I do not fecl as if I could sit my hfc out ona stool and become simply a mathe- matical automaton.” Mir Conant smiled. Wo liked the ring of decision and charaeiar fn the young inin’s tone, “Some book-keepars recoive very good salaries,” he said «Truc; but the majority do not, and I wish to become an independent business man, by and hy. I believe it is in ie, and J mean to try for it.” ** What is your idea about learning to be- come an architect 2” “YT am afraid my ideas are somewhat erude upon that point, sir, I simply know that it is a profitable business, I am attracted toward it. T believe I have a natural aptitude for it, and Tam willing to begin at the lowest round of the ladder and work my way up.” “JT like that ; it sounds as if you really mean business,” returned Mr Conant, with an approving nod ; “ Lut what would you say if Ishould advise you to spend a year learning the carpenter's trade first 2” Walter’s face fell, and a quick flush mounted to his brow. It was just what Edmund Carpenter had said to him, and it would bo beginning much lower than he had imagined ho would be obliged to