he had not before
observed.

"Good-morning, Mr. Talbot," he said.

Mr. Talbot turned on being addressed and said:

"What, Paul, are you here?"

"Mr. Talbot, this is my mother," said Paul.

"Mrs. Hoffman," said Mr. Talbot, with as much courtesy as if he were
addressing his social equal, "I am glad to make your acquaintance. My
dear, this is Mrs. Hoffman."

Mrs. Talbot greeted both cordially, and made some inquiries about
Jimmy. She observed with pleasure the neat appearance of the entire
family, feeling sure that those who were so careful about their own
appearance would be equally careful of her house. She also thought
more favorably of them for their attendance at church, having herself
a high respect for religious observances. Of course Paul and his
mother thanked her in fitting terms for the gift which had enabled
them to replace their losses by the fire.

After a brief conversation they parted, Mr. and Mrs. Talbot going
uptown, while Paul and his mother had nearly two miles to walk in a
different direction.

"Next Sunday we shall be walking uptown also," said Paul. "It will
look well in the Directory, 'Paul Hoffman, merchant; house, Madison
avenue,' won't it?"

"Yes," said his mother, "so long as it doesn't mention that you live
in the basement."

"Some time I hope to occupy a whole house of my own."

"In Madison avenue?"

"Perhaps so; who knows?"

"I see, Paul, you are getting ambitious."

"Where shall I be, Paul?" asked Jimmy, who felt that his future
prospects deserved consideration.

"Oh, you'll be a famous artist, and have a studio on Fifth avenue."

"Do you think so, Paul?" asked the little fellow seriously.

"I hope so. All you want is a little help from me now and then. If I
had time I would give you a course of lessons in drawing."

"You draw awfully, Paul."

"Do you draw any better?"

"Of course I do."

"Mother," said Paul, with much gravity, "that boy's self-conceit is
unbounded. You ought to talk to him about it."

But though Paul liked to joke Jimmy, he had already decided, after
they moved uptown, to give him an opportunity of developing his talent
by engaging a drawing teacher for him. The large saving in their
expenses from not being obliged to pay rent would allow him to do this
easily. He had not yet mentioned this to Jimmy, for he meant to
surprise him.

CHAPTER IX.

JULIUS.

At the time appointed, Paul and his mother moved into their new home.
It was nece