s in thinking of a
poor boy like me, when he was far away; here it is," continued Joey,
taking out the pencil-case, "and I have loved it dearly," added he,
kissing it, "ever since I have had it in my possession. I very often
have taken it out and thought of you."

"Now you are so rich a man, you should give me something to keep for
your sake," replied Emma; "and I will be very careful of it, for old
acquaintance' sake."

"What can I offer to you? you are a young lady; I would give you all I
had in the world, if I dared, but--"

"When I first saw you," rejoined Emma, "you were dressed as a young
gentleman."

"Yes, I was," replied Joey, with a sigh; and as the observation of Emma
recalled to his mind the kindness of the McShanes, he passed his hand
across his eyes to brush away a tear or two that started.

"I did not mean to make you unhappy," said Emma, taking our hero's hand.

"I am sure you did not," replied Joey, smiling. "Yes, I was then as you
say; but recollect that lately I have been a knife-grinder."

"Well, you know, your friend said, that it was the nearest thing to a
gentleman; and now I hope you will be quite a gentleman again."

"Not a gentleman, for I must turn to some business or another," replied
Joey.

"I did not mean an idle gentleman; I meant a respectable profession,"
said Emma. "My uncle is a very odd man, but very good-hearted; you must
not mind his way towards you. He is very fond of mamma and me, and I
have no doubt will interest himself about you, and see that your money
is not thrown away. Perhaps you would like to set up a bumboat on your
own account?" added Emma, laughing.

"No, I thank you; I had enough of that. Poor Mrs Chopper! what a kind
creature she was! I'm sure I ought to be very grateful to her for
thinking of me as she did."

"I believe," said Emma, "that she was a very good woman, and so does
mamma. Recollect Joey, when you speak to my uncle, you must not
contradict him."

"I am sure I shall not," replied Joey; "why should I contradict a person
so far my superior in years and everything else?"

"Certainly not; and as he is fond of argument, you had better give up to
him at once; and, indeed," continued Emma, laughing, "everybody else
does in the end. I hope you will find a nice situation, and that we
shall see a great deal of you."

"I am sure I do," replied Joey, "for I have no friends that I may see,
except you. How I wish that you did know everything!"