Chapter XXII. Conclusion

The Cash Boy

by Horatio Alger

Meanwhile poor Grace had fared badly at the poorhouse in
Crawford. It was a sad contrast to the gentle and kindly circle at
Mr. Pomeroy's. What made it worse for Grace was, that she could hear
nothing of Frank. She feared he was sick, or had met with some great
misfortune, which prevented his writing.

One day a handsome carriage drove up to the door. From it
descended our hero, elegantly attired. He knocked at the door.

Mrs. Chase, who was impressed by wealth, came to the door in a
flutter of respect, induced by the handsome carriage.

"What do you wish, sir?" she asked, not recognizing Frank.

"Miss Grace Fowler!" repeated Mrs. Chase, almost paralyzed at
Grace being called for by such stylish acquaintances

"Yes, my sister Grace."

"What! are you Frank Fowler?"

"Yes. I have come to take Grace away."

"I don't know as I have the right to let her go," said Mrs.
Chase, cautiously, regretting that Grace was likely to escape her
clutches.

"Here is an order from Deacon Pinkerton, chairman of the
overseers of the poor."

"That is sufficient. She can go. You look as if you had
prospered in the city," she added, with curiosity.

"Yes. I have found my grandfather, who is very wealthy."

"You don't say!" ejaculated Mrs. Chase. "I'll tell Grace at
once."

Grace at work in the kitchen had not heard of the arrival. What
was her surprise when Mrs. Chase, entering the room, said,
graciously:

"Go up at once, Grace, and change your clothes. Your brother
has come for you. He is going to take you away."

Grace almost gasped for breath.

"Is it true?"

"It is indeed. Your brother looks remarkably well. He is rich.
He has found a rich grandfather, and has come for you in a
carriage."

In amazed bewilderment Grace went upstairs and put on her best
dress, poor enough in comparison with her brother's clothes, and was
soon happy in his embrace.

"I am glad to see you, my dear child," said Mr. Wharton, who had
accompanied Frank. "Will you come to the city and live with me and
your brother?"

"Oh, sir, I shall be glad to be wherever Frank is."

"Good-bye, my dear child," sand Mrs. Chase, whose feelings were
very much changed, now that Grace was a rich young lady. "Come and
see me some time."

"Thank you, Mrs. Chase. Good-bye!"

The carriage rolled on.

  *   *    *    *    *    *    *

A few words only
remain. Our hero was placed at a classical school, and in due time
entered college, where he acquitted himself with distinction. He is
now making a tour of Europe. Grace was also placed at an excellent
school, and has developed into a handsome and accomplished young
lady. It is thought she will marry Sam Pomeroy, who obtained a place
in a counting-room through Mr. Wharton's influence, and is now head
clerk, with a prospect of partnership. His father received a gift of
five thousand dollars from Mr. Wharton as an acknowledgment of his
kindness to Frank. Tom Pinkerton holds a subordinate clerkship in
the same house, and is obliged to look up to Sam as his superior. It
chafes his pride, but his father has become a poor man, and Tom is
too prudent to run the risk of losing his situation. John Wade draws
his income regularly, but he is never seen at his uncle's house.

Mr. Wharton is very happy in his grandson, and made happier by
the intelligence just received from Europe of Frank's engagement to a
brilliant young New York lady whom he met in his travels. He bids
fair, though advanced in age, to live some years yet, to witness the
happiness of his dear grandson, once a humble cash-boy.