ad, mother, and put me up to a dodge or two about working
out corners, I might rise in my profession!"

There was a tell-tale quaver in the speaker's voice which made this
jaunty speech a very sad one to the mother's ears. It was all she could
do to conceal her misery, and when Horace came to the rescue with a racy
account of the day's proceedings, told in his liveliest manner, she was
glad to turn her head and hide from her boys the trouble in her face.

However, she soon recovered herself, and by the time Horace's story was
done she was ready to join her smiles with those which the history had
drawn even from Reginald's serious countenance.

"After all," said she, presently, "we must be thankful for what we have.
Some one was saying the other day there never was a time when so many
young fellows were out of work and thankful to get anything to do. And
it's very likely too, Reg, that just now, when they seem rather in
confusion at the office, they really haven't time to see about what your
regular work is to be. Wait a little, and they're sure to find out your
value."

"They seem to have done that already as far as sweeping is concerned.
The manager said I didn't know how to hold a broom. I was quite
offended," said Reginald.

"You are a dear brave pair of boys!" said the mother, warmly; "and I am
prouder of you in your humble work than if you were kings!"

"Hullo," said Horace, "there's some one coming up our stairs!"

Sure enough there was, and more than one person, as it happened. There
was a knock at the door, followed straightway by the entrance of an
elderly lady, accompanied by a young lady and a young gentleman, who
sailed into the room, much to the amazement and consternation of its
occupants.

"Mrs Cruden, I believe?" said the elderly lady, in her politest tones.

"Yes," replied the owner of that name.

"Let me hintroduce myself--Mrs Captain Shuckleford, my son and
daughter--neighbours of yours, Mrs Cruden, and wishing to be friendly.
We're sorry to hear of your trouble; very trying it is. My 'usband,
Mrs Cruden, has gone too."

"Pray take a seat," said Mrs Cruden. "Reg, will you put chairs?"

Reg obeyed, with a groan.

"These are your boys, are they?" said the visitor, eyeing the youths.
"Will you come and shake 'ands with me, Reggie? What a dear, good-
looking boy he is, Mrs Cruden! And 'ow do you do, too, my man?" said
she, addressing Horace. "Pretty well? And what do they call yo