ontent to be a beggar. I am not."

"We are not beggars. Your cousin leaves us ten thousand dollars, and
assures us an annual income of two thousand dollars."

"That is not bad," said Jasper, with a sigh of relief. "I hope you
don't mean to stay in this dull hole."

"No, it would be disagreeable. When money matters are fairly settled, I
propose that we shall leave the country, and settle in Europe."

Jasper's eyes sparkled.

"The most sensible thing you could decide upon, father. It isn't so bad
after all. We can live comfortably on our income abroad."

"Not as we have done."

"I don't care. I shall get out of this hole, and this life."

A month later Jasper and his father sailed for Europe. They are still
living there--not happily, for Jasper is not a model son, and his
ingratitude and want of ordinary feeling, affect his father the more
that he is thrown upon his society chiefly for companionship.

* * * * *

When Gilbert had settled his affairs he removed to Cincinnati. He was
received with a warm welcome by Mr. Ferguson, who heartily rejoiced in
his success. Maurice Walton was filled with envy and disappointment.
His rival had been lifted so far above him that there could be no
longer rivalry. Gilbert was a young man of fortune, while he was a poor
clerk on a small salary. The worst of it was, that there was no hope
now of winning Bessie Benton. But, had Maurice been wiser, he might
have seen long ago that he had no hope there. Bessie knew him too well,
and though she felt a friendly interest in his welfare there was no
chance of any warmer feeling. She had a partiality for Gilbert, while
he was still poor. As years passed it became further developed, and I
am sure my readers will not be surprised to learn that she now writes
her name Bessie Grey.

But I have not yet done with my hero. As may be supposed he resigned
his clerkship in Mr. Ferguson's establishment, generously asking that
Maurice be appointed his successor, and privately agreeing that if Mr.
Ferguson would pay him the same salary he had himself received, he
would make up any part that he might not earn. But I am glad to say
that Maurice turned over a new leaf, and stimulated by the double pay
now received, became so much more efficient that Gilbert was not called
upon to make good any deficiency. As for Gilbert himself, at the
suggestion of Mordaunt, his roommate, he decided to study law, entering
the