u I have made no mistake."

Ben's cheek flushed with pleasure, and he was eager to enter upon his
new duties. But he could not help wondering why he had been selected
when Conrad was already in the house, and unemployed. He ventured to
say:

"Would you mind telling me why you did not employ Conrad, instead of
sending for me?"

"There are two good and sufficient reasons: Conrad is not competent
for such an office; and secondly, I should not like to have the boy
about me as much as he would need to be. I have obtained for him a
position out of the house. One question remains to be considered: How
much wages do you expect?"

"I would prefer to leave that to you, Mrs. Hamilton. I cannot expect
high pay."

"Will ten dollars a week be adequate?"

"I can't earn as much money as that," said Ben, in surprise.

"Perhaps not, and yet I am not sure. If you suit me, it will be worth
my while to pay you as much."

"But Conrad will only receive four dollars a week. Won't he be
angry?"

"Conrad is not called upon to support his mother, as I understand you
are."

"You are very kind to think of that, Mrs. Hamilton."

"I want to be kind to you, Ben," said his patroness with a pleasant
smile.

"When shall I commence my duties?"

"Now. You will copy this statement into the ledger you see here.
Before doing so, will you look over and verify the figures?"

Ben was soon hard at work. He was interested in his work, and the
time slipped fast. After an hour and a half had passed, Mrs. Hamilton
said:

"It is about time for lunch, and I think there will be no more to do
to-day. Are you familiar with New York?"

"No, I have spent very little time in the city."

"You will, no doubt, like to look about. We have dinner at six sharp.
You will be on tine?"

"I will be sure to be here."

"That reminds me--have you a watch?"

Ben shook his head.

"I thought it might be so. I have a good silver watch, which I have
no occasion for."

Mrs. Hamilton left the room, and quickly returned with a neat silver
hunting-case watch, with a guilt chain.

"This is yours, Ben," she said, "if you like it."

"Do you give it to me?" asked Ben joyously. He had only expected that
it would be loaned to him.

"Yes, I give it to you, and I hope you will find it useful."

"How can I thank you, Mrs. Hamilton, for your kindness?"

"You are more grateful than Conrad. I gave him one just like it, and
he was evidently dissatisfied be