ly seems right, does it, Aunty," asked Dorothy.

"You know, Dorothy, that Herr has a very bad cold, and such a cough, I
am quite worried about him. He would have come in spite of all that
but Frau would not let him. I think Frau Deichenberg did a wise thing
in keeping him home," replied Aunt Betty.

"Seems as if I am not going to have a very happy start," lamented
Dorothy. "I wanted Herr to hear me play and criticise."

"Dorothy, girl, cheer up. That's no way to be when you are about to
start on a career," sternly admonished Jim. "You have every reason to
be happy."

In the rush and excitement of getting the tickets and finding out just
when and where the train came in, Dorothy forgot her sorrow. They all
bid good-bye to Metty, who had driven them to the station and who
drove away mourning to himself as he went, "Deedy, deedy. Lonesome,
ve'y, ve'y lonesome will ole Bellevieu be wi'out de Misses and de
li'le Misses dere."

They were at last all seated on the train and quickly were speeding
toward New York. Dorothy and Alfaretta were sitting together talking
happily of the people in the car and of the passing, ever changing
scenery. Aunt Betty and Jim were in the seat just in back of them.
Suddenly the latter reached into his pocket and procured a letter,
handing it to Aunt Betty to read, explaining he had written the Edison
Co., of New York, and that that was their answer.

Aunt Betty carefully read the letter through and turning to Jim,
asked, "What are you going to do about it, my boy?"

"That's just what I would like to know," answered Jim. "I always
wanted to go to college, and have saved as much as I could, but I
can't quite see my way clear to go there yet. I have studied very hard
all along and have learned a great deal about electricity. The books
Mr. Winters left me have helped me very much, but I am very far behind
in some subjects required for entrance to college. My languages are
very poor as is my history, and I write a very poor hand."

"Well, Jim," answered Aunt Betty, "I am sure I do not know just what I
would have you do in this case. The offer is for work in the--what
department is it?"

"The position is in the department of installation as assistant to the
superintendent. The company is a very desirable one to be in. I have
heard that they are very fair and that one who works well stands good
chances," replied Jim.

"I think we had better talk this over with someone before you decide
one w