ded, in order to eke out the amount which it cost
him for his education. Silas thought this a very wonderful thing at
first, but when he grew wiser, as he did finally, he took the point of
view of most of his fellows and thought that Smith was wasting both
time and opportunities.

It took a very short time for Silas's unfamiliarity with his
surroundings to wear off, and for him to become acquainted with the
duties of his position. He grew at ease with his work, and became a
favorite both in dining-room and kitchen. Then began his acquaintance
with other things, and there were many other things at the Springs
which an unsophisticated young man might learn.

Silas's social attainments were lamentably sparse, but being an apt
youngster, he began to acquire them, quite as he acquired his new
duties, and different forms of speech. He learned to dance--almost a
natural gift of the negro--and he was introduced into the subtleties
of flirtation. At first he was a bit timid with the nurse-girls and
maids whom the wealthy travelers brought with them, but after a few
lessons from very able teachers, he learned the manly art of ogling to
his own satisfaction, and soon became as proficient as any of the
other black coxcombs.

If he ever thought of Dely Manly any more, it was with a smile that he
had been able at one time to consider her seriously. The people at
home, be it said to his credit, he did not forget. A part of his
wages went back every month to help better the condition of the cabin.
But Silas himself had no desire to return, and at the end of a year he
shuddered at the thought of it. He was quite willing to help his
father, whom he had now learned to call the "old man," but he was not
willing to go back to him.

II

Early in his second year at the Springs Marston came for a stay at the
hotel. When he saw his protege, he exclaimed: "Why, that isn't Si, is
it?"

"Yes, suh," smiled Silas.

"Well, well, well, what a change. Why, boy, you've developed into a
regular fashion-plate. I hope you're not advertising for any of the
Richmond tailors. They're terrible Jews, you know."

"You see, a man has to be neat aroun' the hotel, Mistah Ma'ston."

"Whew, and you've developed dignity, too. By the Lord Harry, if I'd
have made that remark to you about a year and a half ago, there at the
cabin, you'd have just grinned. Ah, Silas, I'm afraid for you. You've
grown too fast. You've gained a certain poise and ease at the e