ng our hero's affairs. He had
intended to call upon Squire Lee that night, but the time passed away
so rapidly that he was obliged to defer it till the next day.

After breakfast the following morning, he hastened to pay the intended
visit. There was a tumult of strange emotions in his bosom as he
knocked at the squire's door. He was proud of the success he had
achieved, and even then his cheek burned under the anticipated
commendations which his generous friend would bestow upon
him. Besides, Annie would be glad to see him, for she had expressed
such a desire when they parted on the Monday preceding. I don't think
that Bobby cherished any silly ideas, but the sympathy of the little
maiden fell not coldly or unwelcomely upon his warm heart. In coming
from the house he had placed his copy of "The Wayfarer" under his arm,
for Annie was fond of reading; and on the way over, he had pictured to
himself the pleasure she would derive from reading _his_ book.

Of course he received a warm welcome from the squire and his
daughter. Each of them had bestowed more than a thought upon the
little wanderer as he went from house to house, and more than once
they had conversed together about him.

"Well, Bobby, how is trade in the book line?" asked the squire, after
the young pilgrim had been cordially greeted.

"Pretty fair," replied Bobby, with as much indifference as he could
command, though it was hard even to seem indifferent then and there.

"Where have you been travelling?"

"In B----."

"Fine place. Books sell well there?"

"Very well; in fact, I sold out all my stock by noon yesterday."

"How many books did you carry?"

"Fifty."

"You did well."

"I should think you did!" added Annie, with an enthusiasm which quite
upset all Bobby's assumed indifference. "Fifty books!"

"Yes, Miss Annie; and I have brought you a copy of the book I have
been selling; I thought you would like to read it. It is a splendid
work, and will be _the_ book of the season."

"I shall be delighted to read it," replied Annie, taking the proffered
volume. "It looks real good," she continued, as she turned over the
leaves.

"It is first rate; I have read it through."

"It was very kind of you to think of me when you have so much business
on your mind," added she, with a roguish smile.

"I shall never have so much business on my mind that I cannot think of
my friends," replied Bobby, so gallantly and so smartly that it
astonished himself