He looked upon it as his stock in trade, for without it he would not have known how to make his livelihood.
He dressed quickly, and was soon seated at the doctor's well-spread table.

He soon showed that, in spite of his exposure and narrow escape from death, he had a hearty appetite.

Mrs.Drayton saw him eat with true motherly pleasure, and her natural love of children drew her toward our young hero, and would have done so even had he been less attractive.
"Joseph," she said, addressing her husband, "I want to speak to you a moment." He followed her out of the room.
"Well, my dear ?" he said.
"I want to ask a favor." "It is granted in advance." "Perhaps you will not say so when you know what it is." "I can guess it.

You want to keep this boy." "Are you willing ?" "I would have proposed it, if you had not.

He is without friends and poor.