In time this produced a call from his new pastor.

It was the first new friend he had gained in New York.

"He seems a quiet, well-informed fellow," was the clergyman's comment; "I shall make a point of seeing something of him." But he was pastor of a very large and rich congregation, and was a hard-worked and hard-entertained man, so his intention was not realized.
Peter spent Christmastide with his mother, who worried not a little over his loss of flesh.
"You have been overworking," she said anxiously.
"Why mother, I haven't had a client yet," laughed Peter.
"Then you've worried over not getting on," said his mother, knowing perfectly well that it was nothing of the sort.

She had hoped that Peter would be satisfied with his six months' trial, but did not mention her wish.

She marvelled to herself that New York had not yet discovered his greatness.
When Peter returned to the city, he made a change in his living arrangements.