"There is the money, and you will be forever quit of Mr.Hardhand to-morrow." "What, Bobby! Why, where did you get all this money ?" asked Mrs.
Bright, utterly astonished.
In a few words the ambitious boy told his story, and then informed his mother that he was going to Boston the next Monday morning, to commence business for himself.
"Why, what can you do, Bobby ?" "Do?
I can do a great many things;" and he unfolded his scheme of becoming a little book merchant.
"You are a courageous fellow! Who would have thought of such a thing ?" "I should, and did." "But you are not old enough." "O, yes, I am." "You had better wait a while." "Now or never, mother! You see I have given my note, and my paper will be dishonored, if I am not up and doing." "Your paper!" said Mrs.Bright, with a smile.
"That is what Mr.Wing, the boot manufacturer, calls it." "You needn't go away to earn this money; I can pay it myself." "This note is my affair, and I mean to pay it myself with my own earnings.

No objections, mother." Like a sensible woman as she was, she did not make any objections.

She was conscious of Bobby's talents; she knew that he had a strong mind of his own, and could take care of himself.

It is true, she feared the influence of the great world, and especially of the great city, upon the tender mind of her son; but if he was never tempted, he would never be a conqueror over the foes that beset him.
She determined to do her whole duty towards him, and she carefully pointed out to him the sins and the moral danger to which he would be exposed, and warned him always to resist temptation.

She counselled him to think of her when he felt like going astray.
Bobby declared that he would try to be a good boy.