back to life he was only the wreck of what he had been.

Jim returned to school when his father was out of danger, as his uncle
thought he ought to finish the term. He was very much subdued, but his
companions appreciated his manliness, and gave him a warm welcome.

"He has lots of pluck," said Carl warmly; "he was as anxious to go to
college as any of us, but he doesn't say a word about it now--says he
is going to work this summer."

"I wish you would tell him how pleased I am with him," said Aunt
Zelie. "I see so little of him lately, he seems almost shy."

The big house was sold, and when Mr. Carter could be moved he was
taken to their new home, a little place that belonged to his wife.
When everything was settled it was found that they would have a small
income, enough to support two people in some degree of comfort. Then
Jim's uncle, to everybody's surprise, offered to send him to college.

"I don't believe in it very much, but you are such a likely boy you
may make something out of it, so if you want to go I'll foot the
bills."

Jim brought the news one Friday night to a meeting of the O.B.F.D. It
was early, and only Carl and his aunt were in the room.

"I shall work very hard, for I mean to pay Uncle James back some day,"
he said.

"That is right; I am sure you will, and I am glad for you and proud of
you, for you deserve it," Aunt Zelie said earnestly.

"Are you really?" he asked humbly, but looking in his pleasure quite
like his old self.

"Why, of course we are _all_ proud of you, boy," said Carl.

And Jim thought he had never been so happy before. He had discovered
that there are some things better even than money.

CHAPTER XXIV.

A DISAPPOINTMENT.

Dora thought one of the pleasantest things about housekeeping was
being able to give a tea-party now and then. They were of necessity
very small affairs, if for no other reason than because Mrs. Warner
could not stand much excitement.

Mrs. Smith was delighted to do anything for Miss Dora, and finding out
in some way when her birthday came, herself proposed a celebration.

Mrs. Warner entered into the idea with unusual interest, so Dora
consented to invite Bess, Louise, Carl, Aleck, and Ikey.

If it had been an order for a grand reception, Mrs. Smith could not
have filled it with more pleasure. She sent up a delicious little
supper, and as the crowning glory, and a present from herself, an
immense birthday cake in pink icing, with fif