of gathering people about
us, upon whom we can rely. I have made money," he said, "and have no right
to complain; but I should have made twice as much if I had employed honest
and intelligent men."

"You should take some abroad with you," I replied.

"I purpose to do something of the kind," he answered; "and, by-the-by, if
you should hear of any honest, intelligent young man, who can write good
plain English in a legible hand, and who would not object to seek his
fortune across the water, let me know."

George was in the room when this was said, and I involuntarily raised my
eyes to his face. When I read its expression, a twinge of selfishness
brought the color to my cheeks. "Now we shall lose him," I said; and we
did lose him. A few days afterward, Mr. Jameson, our colonial friend, told
us that he was afraid his conversation had been the means of seducing our
melancholy footman. He had found an extremely well-written letter on his
table, signed "George Hammond," expressing a wish to accompany him abroad,
and dated from our house, which he had at first imagined was a jest of
mine. "But I find it is from your servant," he continued, "and I have told
him that I can say nothing until I have consulted you on the subject."

"I am afraid I can allege nothing against it,"

I answered, "if he suits you, and wishes to go. A more trustworthy,
excellent person you never can meet with."

"And what are his connections?" inquired Mr. Jameson; "for I would not be
accessory to taking any young man out of the country without being sure
that he was not doing wrong in leaving it."

For this information I referred him to Mr. Grindlay; with whom an
interview was arranged. Mr. Grindlay entered so warmly into the plan, that
he declared himself willing to make some pecuniary advances to promote it.

"It is not necessary," said Mr. Jameson. "I shall be very willing to
undertake all the expenses of outfit and voyage."

"You are very good, indeed, sir. But," added Mr. Grindlay, "George has a
sister, who would break her heart if he left her. She is a good, clever
girl, and understands dress-making and millinery well. She works for
Madame Roland. I suppose she would easily make a living in the parts you
are going to?"

Mr. Jameson was quite agreeable that Esther should be of the party; and
Mr. Grindlay under took the charge of her outfit. "But," said our friend,
"before we proceed farther, I must know who these young people are; and
tha