ll be satisfied with a modest home."

"We have but two chambers, mine and Chester's."

"But you know, mother, I am going to New York to work."

"That's true; your room will be vacant."

Mr. Gardener looked surprised.

"Isn't this something new," he asked, "about you going to New York, I
mean?"

"Yes, sir; that letter from Mr. Conrad will explain all."

Mr. Gardener read the letter attentively.

"I think the plan a good one," he said. "You will find that you will
work better in a great city. Then, if my cousin comes, your mother will
not be so lonesome."

"It is the very thing," said Chester, enthusiastically.

"What is your cousin's name, Mr. Gardener?" asked the widow.

"Miss Jane Dolby. She is a spinster, and at her age there is not much
chance of her changing her condition. Shall I write her that you will
receive her?"

"Yes; I shall be glad to do so."

"And, as Miss Dolby is a business woman, she will expect me to tell her
your terms."

"Will four dollars a week be too much?" asked Mrs. Rand, in a tone of
hesitation.

"Four dollars, my dear madam!"

"Do you consider it too much? I am afraid I could not afford to say
less."

"I consider it too little. My cousin is a woman of means. I will tell
her your terms are eight dollars a week including washing."

"But will she be willing to pay so much?"

"She pays twelve dollars a week in the city, and could afford to pay
more. She is not mean, but is always willing to pay a good price."

"I can manage very comfortably on that sum," said Mrs. Rand,
brightening up. "I hope I shall be able to make your cousin
comfortable."

"I am sure of it. Miss Dolby is a very sociable lady, and if you are
willing to hear her talk she will be content."

"She will keep me from feeling lonesome."

When Mr. Gardener left the house, Chester said: "All things seem to be
working in aid of my plans, mother, I feel much more comfortable now
that you will have company."

"Besides, Chester, you will not need to send me any money. The money
Miss Dolby pays me will be sufficient to defray the expenses of the
table, and I shall still have some time for binding shoes."

"Then I hope I may be able to save some money."

During the afternoon Chester went to the store to buy groceries. Mr.
Tripp himself filled the order. He seemed disposed to be friendly.

"Your money holds out well, Chester," he said, as he made change for a
two-dollar bill.

"Yes, Mr. Tripp."

"I can't