On the way home Robert fell in with Halbert Davis. Halbert, of course, knew nothing of the claim made upon his father, but he had heard that Robert proposed to leave home. He was both sorry and glad on account of this--sorry because he had hoped to see our hero fall into poverty and destitution, and enjoy the spectacle of his humiliation. Now he was afraid Robert would succeed and deprive him of the enjoyment he had counted upon. On the other hand, Robert's departure would leave the field free so far as concerned Hester Paine, and he hoped to win the favor of that young lady in the absence of any competitor. Of this there was not the slightest chance, but Halbert was blinded by his own vanity to the obvious dislike which Hester entertained for him.
Now when he saw Robert approaching he couldn't forego the pleasure of a final taunt.
"So you're going to leave town, Rushton?'" he commenced.
"Yes, Davis," answered Robert, in the same tone. "Shall you miss me much?"
"I guess I shall live through it," said Halbert. "I suppose you are going because you can't make a living here!"
"Not exactly. However, I hope to do better elsewhere."
"If you're going to try for a place, you'd better not mention that you got turned out of the factory. You needn't apply to my father for a recommendation."
"I shan't need any recommendation from your father," said Robert. "He is about the last man that I would apply to."
"That's where you are right," said Halbert. "What sort of a place are you going to try for?"
He knew nothing of Robert's intention to seek his father, but supposed he meant to obtain a situation in New York.
"You seem particularly interested in my movements, Davis."
"Call me Mr. Davis, if you please," said Halbert, haughtily.
"When you call me Mr. Rushton, I will return the compliment."
"You don't seem to realize the difference in our positions."
"No, I don't, except that I prefer my own."
Disgusted with Robert's evident determination to withhold the respect which he considered his due, Halbert tried him on another tack.
"Have you bidden farewell to Hester Paine?" he asked, with a sneer.
"I suppose she was very much affected!" continued Halbert.
"She said she was very sorry to part with me."