"or shall you see him?"

"Here he is, by good luck," said Mr. Preston, as the door opened and
an elderly gentleman entered. "Talbot, you are just the man I want to
see."

"Indeed! I am glad to hear that. What is it?"

"Have you arranged about your house yet?"

"No; I came in partly to ask if you knew of any trustworthy family to
put in while I am away."

"I can recommend some one who will suit you, I think," returned Mr.
Preston. "The young man at your side."

"He hasn't got a family already?" inquired Mr. Talbot, with a humorous
glance at our hero. "It seems to me he is rather forward."

"I believe not," said Mr. Preston, smiling; "but he has a mother, a
very worthy woman, and a little brother. As for my young friend
himself, I can recommend him from my own knowledge of his character.
In fact, he has done me the honor of making me his banker to the
extent of a hundred and fifty dollars."

"So that you will go bail for him. Well, that seems satisfactory. What
is his name?"

"Paul Hoffman."

"Are you in a counting-room?" asked Mr. Talbot, turning to Paul.

"No, sir; I keep a necktie stand below the Astor House."

"I must have seen you in passing. I thought your face looked familiar.
How much can you make now at that?"

"From twelve to fifteen dollars a week, sir."

"Very good. That is a good deal more than I made at your age."

"Or I," added Mr. Preston. "Paul was burned out yesterday," he added,
"and is obliged to seek a new home. When he mentioned this to me, I
thought at once that you could make an arrangement for your mutual
advantage." "I shall be glad to do so," said Mr. Talbot. "Your
recommendation is sufficient, Mr. Preston. Do you understand the terms
proposed?" he continued, addressing Paul.

"Yes, sir, I think so. We are to have our rent free, and in return are
to look after the house."

"That is right. I don't wish the house to remain vacant, as it
contains furniture and articles of value, and an empty house always
presents temptations to rogues. You will be free to use the basement
and the upper floor. When the rest of the house needs cleaning, or
anything of that kind, as for instance when I am about to return, it
will be done under your or your mother's oversight, but I will pay the
bills. Directions will be sent you through my friend Mr. Preston."

"All right, sir," said Paul. "How soon would you wish us to come?"

"I would like you and your mother to call up this evening and see