ay be able in
time to do something, but his defalcation amounts to twenty thousand
dollars."

"We must try to make the best of it, father. You have been spending
three hundred dollars a year for me, besides the expense of my clothes.
If that is saved, it will make up your loss of income."

"But, my dear boy, I don't like to sacrifice your prospects."

"It won't be sacrificing them," said Andy, with forced cheerfulness. "It
will only change them. Of course, I must give up the thought of a
college education, but I may make a success in business."

"It will be very hard upon you," said Mr. Grant, sadly.

"No, father. I won't deny that I shall be sorry just at first, but it
may turn out better for me in the end."

"You are a good boy, to take it so well, Andy. I had no right to risk so
much, even for a friend like Lawrence."

"You have known Mr. Lawrence for many years, have you not, father?"

"Yes; we were schoolboys together. I thought him the soul of honor. But
I ought not to have risked three-quarters of my estate, even for him."

"You can't be blamed, father. You had full confidence in him."

"Yes, I had full confidence in him," sighed Mr. Grant.

"And he may yet be able to make up the loss to you."

Though Andy said this, he only said it to mitigate his father's regret,
for he had very little confidence in the missing cashier or his
promises. He was repaid by seeing his father brighten up.

"You have cheered me, Andy," he said. "I don't care so much for myself,
but I have been thinking of you and your mother."

"And we have been thinking of you, father," said Mrs. Grant. "It might
be worse."

"I don't see very well how that could be."

"We are in good health, thank God! and your reputation is unblemished.
Compare your position with that of Nathan Lawrence, forced to flee in
disgrace under a load of shame."

"You are right, wife. He is more to be pitied than I am."

"Is he a married man, father?"

"No; that is, he is a widower."

"While we are spared to each other. We must trust in God and hope for
the best."

"Mother tells me you expect to get part of the money you need from
Squire Carter," said Andy.

"Yes, he has promised to take a mortgage of three thousand dollars on
the old place."

"I have heard he is a hard man, father. I don't think he is influenced
by kindness."

"I can't afford to inquire into his motives. It is enough that he will
furnish the money. But for that I might have t