"Oh, you don't know what a hard taskmaster you may find me," said the
young man, playfully. "By the way, I consider that you have already
entered upon your duties. To-day is the first day. Now come to the hotel
with me, and see what you can get for the fish. I happen to know that
two of the guests, a lady and her daughter, are anxious for a good fish
dinner and, as there is no market here, I think the landlord will be
glad to buy from you."

Mr. Melville was right. Mr. Barton, the landlord, purchased the fish
that Herbert had to sell, for sixty cents, which he promptly paid.

"Don't that pay you for your morning's work?" asked Melville.

"I don't know but the money ought to go to you, Mr. Melville," said
Herbert, "as I am now in your employ. Besides, you caught a part of
them."

"I waive all claim to compensation," said the young man, "though it
would be a novel sensation to receive money for services rendered. What
will you say, Herbert, when I tell you that I never earned a dollar in
my life?"

Herbert looked incredulous.

"It is really true," said George Melville, "my life has been passed at
school and college, and I have never had occasion to work for money."

"You are in luck, then."

"I don't know that; I think those who work for the money they receive
are happy. Tell me, now, don't you feel more satisfaction in the sixty
cents you have just been paid because you have earned it?"

"Yes, sir."

"I thought so. The happiest men are those who are usefully employed.
Don't forget that, and never sigh for the opportunity to lead an idle
life. But I suppose your dinner is ready. You may go home, and come back
at three o'clock."

"Very well, sir."

Herbert made good time going home. He was eager to tell his mother the
good news of his engagement.

CHAPTER VII. EBEN GROWS ENVIOUS.

"Well, mother," said Herbert, as he entered the house, "I have brought
you enough fish for dinner."

"I waited to see what luck you would have, Herbert, and therefore have
not got dinner ready. You will have to wait a little while."

"I shall be all the hungrier, mother," said Herbert.

Mrs. Carr could not help noticing the beaming look on her som's face.

"You look as if you had received a legacy, Herbert," she said.

Herbert laughed.

"There it is," he said, displaying the sixty cents he had received from
the landlord.

"There are ten cents more than I should have received for a whole day's
work at the st