But of greater value than the sum itself was the habit of self-denial and saving which our hero had formed.

He had started in the right way, and made a beginning which was likely to lead to prosperity in the end.

It had not been altogether easy to save this sum.

Harry's income had always been small, and he might, without incurring the charge of excessive extravagance, have spent the whole.

He had denied himself on many occasions, where most boys of his age would have yielded to the temptation of spending money for pleasure or personal gratification; but he had been rewarded by the thought that he was getting on in the world.
"This is my birthday, Mr.Ferguson," he said, as he entered the printing-office on that particular morning.
"Is it ?" asked Ferguson, looking up from his case with interest.
"How venerable are you, may I ask ?" "I don't feel very venerable as yet," said Harry, with a smile.