I see you have a sympathetic soul. I loved,
and my love was returned, but a heartless parent interposed and
separated two loving hearts."

He took out his handkerchief and wiped his eyes. Andy hardly knew
whether to laugh or to express sympathy.

"I suppose that often happens?" he said, rather lamely. "Perhaps he may
yet repent."

"I live in that hope. When I have become famous, I will go back and
offer myself again to Sophia. I suppose you have had no heart
experiences as yet, Mr. Grant?"

"Not as yet, but I can sympathize with you."

"I am so glad you have come. I shall make you my confidential friend."

Then the conversation drifted into other channels.

CHAPTER XVI.

ANDY AT WORK.

Punctually as the clock struck eight the next morning Andy entered the
store of Mr. Flint on Union Square. He looked for his employer, but the
jeweler seldom arrived before nine, his residence being in Harlem.

Behind the counter, arranging the goods in one of the cases, was a man
with reddish hair who might at a guess be thirty-five years of age. It
was Mr. Flint's head clerk, Simon Rich, who had been absent when Andy
made his first call.

"What can I do for you, boy?" he asked, superciliously.

"Is Mr. Flint in?"

"No. You can tell me your business."

"I have come here to work."

"Oh!"

This exclamation was long-drawn out. Mr. Rich then proceeded to examine
Andy from head to foot in a manner which was extremely offensive.

Andy understood that for some reason this man would be his enemy. He
would have understood his hostility better had he known that the boy
just discharged was the head clerk's nephew.

"I suppose you are well acquainted with the business?" remarked Rich,
with a sneer.

"I know nothing about it."

"Humph! you stand a chance of being very useful."

"I hope to become familiar with it soon," said Andy, coloring.

"Suppose you sweep out, to begin with."

He pointed out the broom, and Andy went to work.

"I wish he were a more agreeable man," thought Andy. "I am afraid he
will make my position unpleasant."

Here a customer came in, and Mr. Rich was occupied for the next ten
minutes.

The customer, a lady, bought a gold chain.

"Shall I send it?" asked the clerk.

"Yes, but not till twelve o'clock."

"To what address?"

She gave a number on Fifty-sixth Street.

"Very well."

"There will be an errand for you," said Rich, as he put back the chains
not selected.

Andy nodded