there are
plenty of men in New York, who live in style now, who began the world
with no better advantages than I. You see there is a chance for me
too."

"I shall be satisfied with less," said his mother. "Wealth alone will
not yield happiness."

"Still it is very comfortable to have it."

"No doubt, if it is properly acquired."

"If I am ever rich, mother, you may be sure that I shall not be
ashamed of the manner in which I became so."

"I hope not, Paul."

Their conversation was interrupted by the entrance of Mrs. Talbot. She
was a stout, comely-looking woman of middle age and pleasant
expression.

"I suppose this is Mrs. Hoffman," she said.

Paul and his mother both rose.

"I am Mrs. Hoffman," said the latter. "I suppose I speak to Mrs.
Talbot?"

"You are right. Keep your seat, Mrs. Hoffman. Is this your son?"

Paul bowed with instinctive politeness, and his mother replied in the
affirmative.

"Mr. Talbot tells me that you are willing to take charge of the house
while we are absent in Europe."

"I shall be glad to do so."

"We have been looking out for a suitable family, and as our departure
was so near at hand, were afraid we might not succeed in making a
satisfactory arrangement. Fortunately Mr. Preston spoke to my husband
of you, and this sets our anxiety at rest."

"I hope I may be able to answer your expectations, Mrs. Talbot," said
Mrs. Hoffman modestly.

"I think you will," said Mrs. Talbot, and she spoke sincerely.

She had examined her visitor attentively, and had been very favorably
impressed by her neat dress and quiet, lady-like demeanor. She had
been afraid, when first informed by her husband of the engagement he
had made, that Mrs. Hoffman might be a coarse, untidy woman, and she
was very agreeably disappointed in her appearance.

"I suppose," she said, "you would like to look over the house."

"Thank you, I should."

"I also wish you to see it, that you may understand my directions in
regard to the care of it. Follow me, if you please. We will first go
down into the basement."

Mrs. Hoffman rose. Paul kept his seat, not sure whether he was
included in the invitation or not.

"Your son can come, too, if he likes," said Mrs. Talbot, observing his
hesitation.

Paul rose with alacrity and followed them. He had a natural curiosity
to see the rooms they were to occupy.

They descended first into the basement, which was spacious and light.
It consisted of three rooms, the on