u."

Chester passed Sunday pleasantly, going to church in the forenoon, and
taking a walk with Mr. Conrad in the afternoon. He wrote a short letter
to his mother, informing her of his safe arrival in the city, but not
mentioning his engagement by Prof. Hazlitt. He preferred to wait till
he had an interview with the professor, and decided whether he could do
the work satisfactorily.

"Your future employer is Clement Fairchild," said the artist. "His
office is on West Fourteenth Street, between Seventh and Eight
Avenues."

"What sort of a man is he?" asked Chester.

"I don't know him very well, but I believe he does a very good
business. You will know more about him in a week than I can tell you.
There is one comfort, and that is that you are not wholly dependent
upon him. I advise you, however, to say nothing in the office about
your art work. Business men sometimes have a prejudice against outside
workers. They feel that an employee ought to be solely occupied with
their interests."

"I will remember what you say, Mr. Conrad."

Chester looked forward with considerable curiosity and some anxiety to
his coming interview with Mr. Fairchild.

CHAPTER XII.

A REAL ESTATE OFFICE.

About eight o'clock on Monday morning Chester, accompanied by his
friend Conrad, turned down Fourteenth Street from Sixth Avenue and kept
on till they reached an office over which was the sign:

"Clement Fairchild, Real Estate."

"This is the place, Chester," said the artist. "I will go in and
introduce you."

They entered the office. It was of fair size, and contained a high
desk, an office table covered with papers, and several chairs. There
was but one person in the office, a young man with black whiskers and
mustache and an unamiable expression. He sat on a high stool, but he
was only reading the morning paper. He turned lazily as he heard the
door open, and let his glance rest on Mr. Conrad.

"What can I do for you?" he asked, in a careless tone.

"Is Mr. Fairchild in?" asked the artist.

"No."

"When will he be in?"

"Can't say, I am sure. If you have any business, I will attend to it."

"I have no special business, except to introduce my young friend here."

"Indeed!" said the clerk, impudently. "Who is he?"

"He is going to work here," returned Mr. Conrad, sharply.

"What?" queried the bookkeeper, evidently taken by surprise. "Who says
he is going to work here?"

"Mr. Fairchild."

"He didn't say anythi