Ruby's Reward — page 23: what you’re looking at

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

Does that sound @ httle rough?” ques- tioned Mr Conant, observing his disap- ‘pointment. ‘“Ishould advise the same it you wore my own son. All architects should have a practical knowledge of the construc- tion of buildings, in order to be able to plan them understandingly. I learned the trade when [was a young man, and it has | been of inestimable value to me.” : “But how can 1 manage it?—who will teach me?” stammered Walter, wondering how he was to live, and who would want to take,as a carpenter’s apprentice, a young man of his stamp—one who had never been accustomed to labour, and with hands as delicate as a girl’s. Mr Conant regarded him very kindly. He understood his trouble; he saw that he was cager to do the right thing, and be guided by his superior wisdom, and his interest in him deepened accordingly. “T think I can arrange that matter for you; that is, if you are willing to rough it for awhile; you cannot expect to have things move along quite as smoothly as they did when you were the protege of the wealthy Ralph Carpenter.” “JT do not expect it, sir ; but how can I live while I am learning? I must eat, I must have shelter; clothing I am _ well supplied with for the present.” **Can you not remain where you are? Will not young Carpenter assist you in your plans ?” Again Walter flushed crimson. “No, sir ; he told me if I would not accept his offer he would ‘wash his hands of me entirely.’ I would not solicit his assistance in auy way. Mr Conant, after that I will depend uvon myself; make myulrwayy