nk commence to-morrow, if he chooses. Now let us return to
the library."

While father and daughter were absent Frank had taken from the table a
volume of "Macaulay's History," and had become interested in it.

He laid it down upon their return.

Mr. Percival resumed his easy-chair, and said, with a smile.

"My daughter and I have been consulting about you."

Frank bowed, and his hopes rose.

"I suppose you are open to an offer of employment?"

"I am not only open to it, Mr. Percival, but I shall be grateful for
it."

He could not help wondering what sort of employment Mr. Percival was
about to offer him. He concluded that it might be a place in some
business house.

"The fact is," said the old gentleman, "I have a great mind to offer you
the situation of my private secretary."

Frank was astonished. This was something he had not thought of.

"Do you think I am qualified to fill such a position, Mr. Percival?" he
asked, hesitatingly.

"The duties would not be difficult," returned the old gentleman. "Though
not in active business, the care of my property, and looking after my
scattered investments, involves me in considerable correspondence. My
eyes are not as strong as they once were, and I find them at times taxed
by letter-writing, not to mention reading. You can relieve me very
materially."

"I shall be very glad to do so, sir. The duties will be very agreeable
to me."

"But that is not all. My daughter proposes to employ you as private
tutor for Freddie."

Frank smiled.

"I think my scholarship will be sufficient for that," he said.

Frank was to receive $50 a month and board. This was wonderful news to
him. Mr. Percival with great forethought paid him a month's salary in
advance. Frank went home happy.

CHAPTER XXX

FRANK AS PRIVATE SECRETARY

The next day Frank transferred his residence to Madison Avenue. He was
assigned to a pleasant room, decidedly superior, it need hardly be said,
to his room at Clinton Place. It seemed agreeable to him once more to
enjoy the comforts of a liberal home.

Frank had had some doubts as to how he would satisfy Mr. Percival in his
capacity of private secretary.

He was determined to do his best, but thought it possible that the old
gentleman might require more than he could do well. He looked forward,
therefore, with some apprehension to his first morning's work.

Mr. Percival, though not engaged in active business, was a wealthy man,
and his