His employer asked the boy in which direction he would like to go, and Edward unhesitatingly suggested the publishing business.

He talked it over from every angle with his employer, and Mr.Cary not only agreed with him that his decision was wise, but promised to find him a position such as he had in mind.
It was not long before Mr.Cary made good his word, and told Edward that his friend Henry Holt, the publisher, would like to give him a trial.
The day before he was to leave the Western Union Telegraph Company the fact of his resignation became known to Mr.Gould.

The financier told the boy there was no reason for his leaving, and that he would personally see to it that a substantial increase was made in his salary.

Edward explained that the salary, while of importance to him, did not influence him so much as securing a position in a business in which he felt he would be happier.
"And what business is that ?" asked the financier.
"The publishing of books," replied the boy.
"You are making a great mistake," answered the little man, fixing his keen gray eyes on the boy.

"Books are a luxury.