I
should like to make a little visit home," he
added, thoughtfully, "and perhaps I may do
so after I return from Chicago. I shall have
no favors to ask, and shall feel independent."
"If you ever need a home," said Miss
Norris, abruptly, "come here. You will be welcome."
"Thank you very much," said Carl, gratefully.
"It is all the more kind in you since
you have known me so short a time."
"I have known you long enough to judge
of you," said the maiden lady. "And now if
you won't have anything more we will go into
the next room and talk business."
Carl followed her into the adjoining room,
and Miss Norris at once plunged into the subject.
She handed him a business card bearing
this inscription:
JOHN FRENCH,
BOOTS, SHOES AND RUBBER GOODS,
42a State Street, CHICAGO.
"This young man wants me to lend him two
thousand dollars to extend his business," she
said. "He is the son of an old school friend,
and I am willing to oblige him if he is a sober,
steady and economical business man. I want
you to find out whether this is the case and
report to me."
"Won't that be difficult?" asked Carl.
"Are you afraid to undertake anything that is difficult?"
"No," answered Carl, with a smile. "I was only afraid
I might not do the work satisfactorily."
"I shall give you no instructions," said Miss Norris.
"I shall trust to your good judgment.
I will give you a letter to Mr. French,
which you can use or not, as you think wise.
Of course, I shall see that you are paid for
your trouble.
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