the great man.

"Thank you, sir. It is very kind of you to call upon me," replied
Andre, amazed at the gracious mien of one who had rarely spoken to him
save in the tones of authority, addressing him as a menial and an
inferior.

"I always feel an interest in those I see every day; but the fact that
you were taken sick at my house probably brought the matter more
directly to my attention. Are you comfortably provided for, Andre?"
asked the rich man, glancing around the room.

"Yes, sir; thank you, sir. I have everything I need," replied Andre,
faintly; for he was not quite so sure of what he said as he wished to
be, though his pride and independence revolted at any suggestion of
charity.

"I saw Leo up in State Street. Your boy's name is Leo--isn't it?" asked
the banker, just as though it derogated from his dignity to know the
name of a poor boy like the barber's son.

"Yes, sir; his name is Leo," replied Maggie, taking up the
conversation, so that the invalid might not be compelled to talk too
much.

"He is driving quite a trade in white mice," laughed the great man.

"Has he met with any success, sir?" asked Maggie, who felt that
everything depended upon Leo's exertions; and she hardly expected him
to accomplish anything in the mouse business.

"Yes, he has been remarkably successful, I should say."

"I am so glad!"

"I bought the house he had with him for six dollars, and he has orders
for two more just like it, at the same price. That will give him quite
a lift, I hope."

"Indeed it will!" exclaimed Maggie, delighted with the good news.
"Eighteen dollars for white mice, _mon pere_," she added, turning to
Andre.

"That is very good indeed!" said the barber. "Leo is a brave boy."

"Knowing that you had a family, Andre, and that your wages were not
very large, I thought I would inquire into the matter a little. I
should be very glad to help you."

"Thank you, Mr. Checkynshaw," replied Andre, in his feminine tones,
weakened by his sickness. "I think we do not need any help--do we,
Maggie?"

"No, _mon pere_, especially as Leo is doing so well. I think we shall
get along well enough."

"I am afraid you are too proud to be very poor," said the banker,
glancing at Maggie.

"We have always got along very well, and I think we shall in the
future. Leo says he shall do great things; and I hope he will."

"Then Leo is to support the family," added Mr. Checkynshaw, fixing his
gaze upon the fair girl, who