Henderson," suggested Paul, "why don't you move into
the upper part of the city? It will be more convenient for you,
especially if you get other pupils."

"It is a good plan," said the artist. "I could not do so before,
because I had no money. Now, thanks to your kindness, I can do so."

It was arranged that Jimmy should take two lessons a week, for which
Paul agreed to pay a dollar each. The sum was small, but to Mr.
Henderson it was an important help. I will anticipate the future so
far as to say that, after a while, through the persistent efforts of
Paul, aided by Mr. Preston, he obtained three other pupils, from whom
he was able to obtain a higher price, and occasionally he effected the
sale of a picture, so that he was able to occupy more comfortable
rooms, and provide himself with better clothing. The days of his
adversity were over, and he now enjoyed a moderate degree of
prosperity. Little Mary regained her lost flesh and color, and once
more looked as she did when she sat for the figure of the girl in her
father's picture, which Paul had sold to Mr. Preston. She came often
with her father, when he was to give a lesson to Jimmy, and sometimes
Mrs. Hoffman called to invite her to accompany Jimmy and herself to
Central Park.

As to Jimmy, he surprised his teacher by the rapid progress which he
made. He would have devoted all his time to drawing if his mother had
permitted, but she was not willing that he should neglect his school
studies--for Jimmy now attended school. His health, too, had improved,
and he no longer looked weak and delicate.

So several months passed away. Paul's business continued good. It did
not increase much, for there was not an opportunity for that. But he
averaged fifteen dollars a week profit, and that, he justly felt, was
a very good income from such a limited business. Mrs. Hoffman
continued to make ties for Paul, so she, too, earned three or four
dollars a week, and as they had no house rent to pay, they were able
not only to live very comfortably, paying all the bills promptly, but
to save up money besides. In addition to the money in Mr. Preston's
hands, Paul had an account at a downtown savings-bank, which already
amounted to over two hundred dollars.

"We must save money now, mother," said Paul; "for Mr. Talbot will be
coming home by and by, and then we shall have to look up other rooms,
and pay rent."

"Do you know when he means to come home? Has Mr. Preston told you?"

"N