"
"_You--you_ apply?" said he, in a tone of surprise.
"Yes, sir," faltered Charlie; "Mr. Walters recommended me to do so."
"Ah, you know Mr. Walters, then," he rejoined.
"Yes, sir; he is a great friend of my father's--we are living with him at
present."
"What have you in your portfolio, there?" enquired Mr. Blatchford. Charlie
spread before him the sketches he had made during the summer, and also some
ornamental designs suitable for the title-pages of books. "Why, these are
excellently well done," exclaimed he, after examining them attentively;
"who taught you?"
Charlie hereupon briefly related his acquaintance with the artist, and his
efforts to obtain employment, and their results, besides many other
circumstances connected with himself and family. Mr. Blatchford became
deeply interested, and, at the end of a long conversation, delighted
Charlie by informing him that if he and his mother could agree as to terms
he should be glad to receive him as an apprentice.
Charlie could scarcely believe the evidence of his own ears, and leaving
his portfolio on the table was hastening away.
"Stop! stop!" cried Mr. Blatchford, with a smile; "you have not heard all I
wish to say. I would be much obliged to your mother if she would call at my
house this evening, and then we can settle the matter definitely.
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