ore," he said.

"Where did you get it, Herbert?"

"I sold a mess of fish to Mr. Barton, of the hotel."

"You must have had good luck in fishing," said his mother, looking
pleased.

"I had help, mother. Mr. Melville, the young man from the city, who
boards at the hotel, helped me fish."

"Well, Herbert, you have made a good beginning. I couldn't help feeling
a little depressed when you left me this morning, reflecting that we
had but my pension to depend upon. It seemed so unlucky that Eben Graham
should have come home just at this time to deprive you of your place in
the store."

"It was a piece of good luck for me, mother."

"I don't see how," said Mrs. Carr, naturally puzzled.

"Because I have a better situation already."

Then Herbert, who had been saving the best news for the last, told his
mother of his engagement as Mr. Melville's companion, and the handsome
compensation he was to receive.

"Six dollars a week!" repeated his mother. "That is indeed generous.
Herbert, we did well to trust in Providence."

"Yes, mother; and we have not trusted in vain."

After dinner Herbert did some chores for his mother, and then went to
the hotel to meet his new employer. He found him occupying a large and
pleasant room on the second floor. The table near the window was covered
with books, and there were some thirty or forty volumes arranged on
shelves.

"I always bring books with me, Herbert," said the young man. "I am very
fond of reading, and hitherto I have occupied too much time, perhaps, in
that way--too much, because it has interfered with necessary exercise.
Hereafter I shall devote my forenoon to some kind of outdoor exercise
in your company, and in the afternoon you can read to me, or we can
converse."

"Shall I read to you now, Mr. Melville?" asked Herbert.

"Yes; here is a recent magazine. I will select an article for you to
read. It will rest my eyes, and besides it is pleasanter to have a
companion than to read one's self."

The article was one that interested Herbert as well as Mr. Melville, and
he was surprised when he had finished to find that it was nearly five
o'clock.

"Didn't the reading tire you, Herbert?" asked Melville.

"No, sir; not at all."

"It is evident that your lungs are stronger than mine."

At five o'clock Melville dismissed his young companion.

"Do you wish me to come this evening?" asked Herbert.

"Oh, no. I wouldn't think of taking up your evenings."

"At the po