low to get a start in, so I am going to be
a business man."

He spoke earnestly and cheerfully, but she guessed the struggle it had
cost. He was used to "having things" himself.

She laid her hand on his. "You are learning to be brave and unselfish,
to help in the truest sense, and these are far more valuable lessons
than any you could learn out of books. I honor you for your decision."
Aunt Zelie spoke with shining eyes.

"If I have learned anything it is you who have taught me," Jim said
gently.

"If I have really been a help to you I am very glad and thankful, but
I am sure most of the credit belongs to the boy who was so ready to be
helped."

When he left, after half an hour's talk, her sympathy and interest had
already made his sacrifice seem a little easier, but he did not guess
how he had on his part cheered and comforted this kind friend.

Jim had been gone only a few minutes when Aunt Zelie's corner was
again invaded. This time it was Ikey who looked in, and seeing her
alone came and took possession of a stool at her feet.

"I am going a week from next Thursday," he announced.

"I don't enjoy all these changes in the least," she said, patting the
curly head; "I can't think what I shall do without my boys."

"You have been so awfully good to me, only I never could say so like
Jim. I don't want to go away and have you think I don't care, for I
do, and I hope you won't forget me." Ikey got through this speech with
difficulty.

Aunt Zelie couldn't help laughing at him. "You are a dear boy, and
there is not the slightest danger that we will ever forget you," she
said, and then she told him about the talk she had just had with Jim.

"He is splendid, isn't he? and I used to wonder why Carl liked him."

"Yes, he has changed a good deal since we first knew him, but I am
proud of all my boys, and believe I can trust them wherever they go."

It was almost dark in the hall when she found herself taken possession
of by two strong arms, and Carl's voice inquired what she was doing
all alone.

"Feeling ashamed of myself."

"Very unnecessary, I am sure."

"No, I was worrying a little over you boys for one thing; then I had a
visit from Jim."

"He is tiptop, but I don't know what I am going to do without old
Ikey."

"Then tell him so, for he is afraid we will forget him."

"Ikey is a great goose; but indeed, Aunt Zelie, you need not be afraid
for us! I don't mean to be self-confident,--I know I shall of