cheer your spirits. I have decided to give up my school
here into your sole charge if you will accept it. I have received,
through the influence of some of my political friends, a lucrative and
permanent appointment under the government, the nature of which I will
explain to you by and by. I think of closing my connection with this
school about the end of the next term. What say you? Will you be my
successor?"

Dulan started to his feet, seized both the hands of his friend,
pressed them fervently, and would have thanked him, but utterance
failed. Dr. Keene insisted on his resuming his seat, and then added:

"The income of the school amounts to twelve hundred dollars a year.
The schoolhouse, dwelling-house, with its outbuildings and numerous
improvements upon the premises, go into the bargain. Yes, Dulan, I
have known your secret long," said he, smiling good-humoredly, "and
sincerely, though silently, commiserated the difficulties of your
position; and I assure you, Dulan, that the greatest pleasure I felt
in receiving my appointment was in the opportunity it gave me of
making you and Alice happy. Stop, stop, Dulan, let me talk," laughed
Keene, as William opened a battery of gratitude upon him. "It is now
near the end of July. I should like to see you installed here on the
first of September. The August vacation will give you an opportunity
of making all your arrangements. I must now leave you to your labors."

Every boy that asked to go out went out that day. Every boy that said
his task got praised, and every boy that missed his lesson got blamed.
The day was awfully tedious for all that, but evening came at last,
and the school was dismissed. William, after spending an unusually
long time in the "outward adorning," hastened with a joy-beaming
countenance to the home of his Alice. In the full flow of his joy he
was met by a sudden disappointment. The servant who met him at the
door informed him that Colonel Delany, Miss Raymond and Mr. Delany had
set off for Richmond, with the intention of staying a couple of weeks.
Crestfallen, William turned from the door. This was only a momentary
disappointment, however, and soon his spirits rose, and he joyfully
anticipated the time of the Delany's return. They were to be back in
time for the approaching examination and exhibition at Bay Grove
Academy; and in preparing his pupils for this event, William Dulan
found ample employment for his time and thoughts. I will not weary yo