d by his son, who had just returned from the city."

"Your mother is a widow, is she not?"

"Yes, sir."

"I know where you live; I have had it pointed out to me. Your father
served in the war, did he not?"

"Yes, sir; and the injuries he received hastened his death."

The young man looked thoughtful. Then he said: "How much did Mr. Graham
pay you for your services?"

"Three dollars a week."

"That was not--excuse the question--all you and your mother had to
depend upon, was it?"

"Not quite; mother receives a pension of eight dollars per month."

"Five dollars a week altogether--that is very little."

"It is only two dollars now, sir."

"True; but you have health and strength, and those will bring money.
In one respect you are more fortunate than I. You have a mother--I have
neither father nor mother."

"I'm sorry for you, sir."

"Thank you; anyone is to be pitied who has lost his parents. Now, as I
have asked about your affairs, it is only fair that I should tell you
about myself. To begin with, I am rich. Don't look envious, for there
is something to counterbalance. I am of feeble constitution, and the
doctors say that my lungs are affected. I have studied law, but the
state of my health has obliged me to give up, for the present at least,
the practice of my profession."

"But if you are rich you do not need to practice," said Herbert, who may
be excused for still thinking his companion's lot a happy one.

"No, I do not need to practice my profession, so far as the earning of
money is concerned; but I want something to occupy my mind. The doctors
say I ought to take considerable out-door exercise; but I suppose my
physical condition makes me indolent, for my chief exercise has been,
thus far, to wander to the banks of the river and read under the trees."

"That isn't very severe exercise," said Herbert, smiling.

"No; still it keeps me out in the open air, and that is something. Now
tell me, what are your plans?"

"My hope is to find something to do that will enable me to help mother;
but there doesn't seem much chance of finding anything in Wayneboro. Do
you think I could get a place in the city?"

"You might; but even if you did, you would find it difficult to earn
your own living, and there would be no chance of your helping your
mother."

Herbert, though naturally sanguine and hopeful, looked sober. Just
then he had a bite, and drew out a good-sized pickerel. This gave a new
direction to