o take such a job," said
Tom, who was personally disappointed that he would not be able to
exhibit Ben as his father's hired dependent.

"You seem to know all about it, Tom," answered Ben. "I shall be at
work all next week, at much higher pay, for Silas Greyson."

"How much does he pay you?"

"That is my private business, and wouldn't interest you."

"You're mighty independent for a boy in your position."

"Very likely. Won't you come in?"

"No," answered Tom ungraciously; "I've wasted too much time here
already."

"I understand Tom's object in wanting to hire me," thought Ben. "He
wants to order me around. Still, if the squire had been willing to
pay a decent price, I would have accepted the job. I won't let pride
stand in the way of my supporting mother and myself."

This was a sensible and praiseworthy resolution, as I hope my young
readers will admit. I don't think much of the pride that is willing
to let others suffer in order that it may be gratified.

Ben worked a full week for Farmer Greyson, and helped unload the two
cords of wood, which were his wages, in his mother's yard. Then there
were two days of idleness, which made him anxious. On the second day,
just after supper, he met Rose Gardiner coming from the post office.

"Have you any correspondents in New York, Ben?" she asked.

"What makes you ask, Rose?"

Because the postmaster told me there was a letter for you by this
evening's mail. It was mailed in New York, and was directed in a
lady's hand. I hope you haven't been flirting with any New York
ladies, Mr. Barclay."

"The only lady I know in New York is at least fifty years old,"
answered Ben, smiling.

"That is satisfactory," answered Rose solemnly. "Then I won't be
jealous."

"What can the letter be?" thought Ben. "I hope it contains good
news."

He hurried to the post office in a fever of excitement.

CHAPTER XVII
WHAT THE LETTER CONTAINED

"I hear there is a letter for me, Mr. Brown," said Ben to the
postmaster, who was folding the evening papers, of which he received a
parcel from the city by the afternoon train.

"Yes, Ben," answered the postmaster, smiling. "It appears to be from
a lady in New York. You must have improved your time during your
recent visit to the city."

"I made the acquaintance of one lady older than my mother," answered
Ben. "I didn't flirt with her any."

"At any rate, I should judge that she became interested in you or she
w