d these will last me, with
the help of the washerwoman, until you can make me some new ones. Then
I will go to Bookair's tomorrow, and take Jimmy with me and buy new
suits for both."

"I am afraid you are getting extravagant, Paul."

"If we live on Madison avenue, we must dress accordingly, you know,
mother. That reminds me, I must buy two trunks also."

"Two?"

"Yes; one for you, and the other for Jimmy and myself. At present I
could tie up all my clothes in a handkerchief--that is, if I had a
spare one; but I am going to have some more. You must have some new
things also, mother."

"I can wait till we get settled in our new home. I am afraid you won't
have money enough for all the articles you mean to buy."

"I may have to draw some from Mr. Preston. I think I will call on him
to-morrow and do so. I forgot how much we had to buy. I shall close up
business to-morrow and Monday, and spend the time in preparation for
moving."

Mrs. Hoffman would not, had the matter rested with her, have been in
favor of expending so much money, but she had considerable confidence
in Paul's judgment, and indeed their prospects looked bright enough to
warrant it; so she withdrew her objections, and Paul had his own way,
as he generally did.

CHAPTER VIII.

A GIFT.

The next forenoon Paul called at Mr. Preston's place of business. On
entering the office he found Mr. Talbot conversing with him.

"Talbot," said Mr. Preston, "this is your new tenant, Paul Hoffman."

"Good-morning, Paul," said Mr. Talbot pleasantly. "Mrs. Talbot tells
me that you and your mother called last evening."

"Yes, sir."

"I was called away by an engagement, but I am glad to say that Mrs.
Talbot approves my choice."

"Thank you, sir."

"I hear from Mr. Preston that you have been unfortunate in being
burned out."

"Yes, sir, we have been burned out, but we hadn't much to lose."

"Were you able to save any of your clothing?"

"My mother saved a new dress she had just bought."

"Was that all?"

"Yes, sir."

"It will cost you considerable to replace what was destroyed."

"Considerable for me, sir. I called this morning to ask Mr. Preston
for fifty dollars, from the money he has of mine, to spend for clothes
for my mother, and brother, and myself."

"Will fifty dollars be sufficient?"

"I have some money on hand. That will be all I shall need to draw."

"It will be a pity to disturb your savings. Your care of my house will
be worth m