rs. Carter; I am a boy, and I prefer to be called so. I came up
with Ben, for I find that he is related to Squire Carter, of Arden, whom
I know very well."

"You know Philemon Carter?"

"Yes; he lives in Arden. That is my birthplace."

Mrs. Carter's countenance fell.

"Philemon Carter was my husband's brother," she said; "but there is
little friendship between us."

"He is reputed rich."

"And we are poor. I see you wonder at that. When my husband's father
died, Philemon was executor. It was understood that he was worth
twenty-five thousand dollars. Yet of this amount my poor husband
received but one thousand. I may be uncharitable, but I have always felt
that Philemon cheated us out of our rightful share."

"I should not be surprised. I never liked Squire Carter. He always
seemed to me to be a selfish man."

"He has certainly acted selfishly toward us."

"Does he know of your poverty?"

"Yes. Only two weeks since, in a fit of despair, I wrote to him for
help. Here is his answer."

She handed a letter to Andy. He instantly recognized the handwriting of
the magnate of Arden.

"Shall I read it?" he asked.

"Yes, do so, and let me know what you think of it."

This was the letter:

"SOPHIA: I have received your letter, and am surprised that you
should expect me to help support you. You are my brother's widow, it
is true, but your destitution is no fault of mine. My brother was
always shiftless and unpractical, and to such men good luck never
comes. He might at any rate have insured his life, and so made
comfortable provision for you. You cannot expect me to repair his
negligence. You say you have two boys, one eleven years of age. He
is certainly able to earn money by selling papers or tending an
office.

"As for myself, I am not a rich man, but have always been careful to
meet my expenses and provide for the future. I, too, have a son,
Conrad, whom I think it my duty to educate and start in life. Any
money I might send you would be so much taken from him. I advise you
to apply to some charitable society if you need temporary
assistance. It will be much better than to write me begging letters.
Yours truly,

"PHILEMON CARTER."

"This is a very cold-blooded letter," said Andy, indignantly. "He might
at least have inclosed a five-dollar bill."

"He inclosed nothing. I shall never apply to him again."

"Philemon Carter is considered