Chapter XXXI. Carl Takes Supper with Miss Norris.

Driven From Home

by Horatio Alger

"This is my family," said Miss Norris, pointing to the cats.

"I like cats," said Carl.

"Do you?" returned Miss Norris, looking pleased. "Most boys
tease them. Do you see poor Molly's ear? That wound came from a
stone thrown by a bad boy."

"Many boys are cruel," said Carl, "but I remember that my mother
was very fond of cats, and I have always protected them from
abuse."

As he spoke he stroked Molly, who purred an acknowledgment of
his attention. This completed the conquest of Miss Norris, who
inwardly decided that Carl was the finest boy she had ever met.
After she had served Carl from the dishes on the table, she poured
out two saucers of milk and set one before each cat, who, rising upon
her hind legs, placed her forepaws on the table, and gravely partook
of the refreshments provided. Jane and Molly were afterwards regaled
with cold meat, and then, stretching themselves out on their chairs,
closed their eyes in placid content.

During the meal Miss Norris questioned Carl closely as to his
home experiences. Having no reason for concealment Carl frankly
related his troubles with his stepmother, eliciting expressions of
sympathy and approval from his hostess.

"Your stepmother must be an ugly creature?" she said.

"I am afraid I am prejudiced against her," said Carl, "but that
is my opinion."

"Your father must be very weak to be influenced against his own
son by such a woman."

Carl winced a little at this outspoken criticism, for he was
attached to his father in spite of his unjust treatment.

"My father is an invalid," he said, apologetically, "and I think
he yielded for the sake of peace."

"All the same, he ought not to do it," said Miss Norris. "Do
you ever expect to live at home again?"

"Not while my stepmother is there," answered Carl. "But I don't
know that I should care to do so under any circumstances, as I am now
receiving a business training. 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."

"Thank you," said Carl. "I hope my services may be worth
compensation."

"I don't know how you are situated as to money, but I can give
you some in advance," and the old lady opened her pocketbook.

"No, thank you, Miss Norris; I shall not need it. I might have
been short if you had not kindly paid me a reward for a slight
service."

"Slight, indeed! If you had lost a bank book like mine you
would be glad to get it back at such a price. If you will catch the
rascal who stole it I will gladly pay you as much more."

"I wish I might for my own sake, but I am afraid it would be too
late to recover my money and clothing."

At an early hour Carl left the house, promising to write to Miss
Norris from Chicago.