"I had help, mother. Mr. Melville, the young man from the city, who
boards at the hotel, helped me fish."

"Well, Herbert, you have made a good beginning. I couldn't help
feeling a little depressed when you left me this morning, reflecting
that we had but my pension to depend upon. It seemed so unlucky that
Eben Graham should have come home just at this time to deprive you
of your place in the store."

"It was a piece of good luck for me, mother."

"I don't see how," said Mrs. Carr, naturally puzzled.

"Because I have a better situation already."

Then Herbert, who had been saving the best news for the last, told
his mother of his engagement as Mr. Melville's companion, and the
handsome compensation he was to receive.

"Six dollars a week!" repeated his mother. "That is indeed generous.
Herbert, we did well to trust in Providence."

"Yes, mother; and we have not trusted in vain."

After dinner Herbert did some chores for his mother, and then went
to the hotel to meet his new employer. He found him occupying a
large and pleasant room on the second floor. The table near the
window was covered with books, and there were some thirty or forty
volumes arranged on shelves.