“What is your name?” “Paul Parton.” “A very good name. That will do quite nicely.” Mrs. Holbrook sat down at the desk, and wrote the following letter: “MY DEAR AUNT: “I am taking a liberty in sending you a boy in whom I am interested, with the request that you will give him a home for a few weeks, if he should be contented. I know you have a large house and plenty of room. I think a young companion will help enliven the house. Paul Parton (that is his name) will be happy to be of service to you in any way. He understands horses, and will drive you out any time, harness and unharness, read to you or write for you, should you require it. I ask you to receive him as a guest, for my sake, but to make him useful. “I hope, my dear aunt, you are in comfortable health, and in a condition to enjoy life, notwithstanding your advanced years. “Your affectionate niece, “LOUISA HOLBROOK.” “There,” said Mrs. Holbrook, after reading the letter to Paul, “I think this will secure you an entrance into my aunt’s house, and should it be read by the housekeeper, as is likely to be the case, it will tell her nothing. Now we will go out and see about getting you a supply of clothes.” CHAPTER XXX. PAUL’S RECEPTION AT ROCKVILLE. Paul found himself unable to start for Rockville in the afternoon. He was obliged to make arrangements at home for an indefinite absence, and procure from the savings bank a supply of money for current expenses, which he left in the hands of Mrs. Hogan. His outfit was provided by Mrs. Holbrook, who made it as ample as if Paul were the son of a well to do family, instead of a telegraph boy, dependent upon his own exertions for a scanty living in a shabby tenement house. When his new patroness parted from him, she put a pocketbook into his hands. “This is not intended for remuneration,” she said, “for I shall pay the telegraph company their usual charges. But I wish you to have money to use, as you may require it.” “Thank you,” said Paul. “You are very kind.” “No, I am only considerate and just.” “Have you any special directions to give, Mrs. Holbrook?” “None beyond what I have already given. I must trust greatly to your own good judgment and discretion. I am sure I can do so with confidence, after the good report Mr. Cunningham has made of you.” “Thank you; I will try to deserve your confidence.” “You may write to me from time to time, when you have anything to communicate.” Paul promised to do so, and at nine o’clock took a train at the Grand Central Depot for Rockville. Fairly seated in the cars, he opened the pocketbook given him by Mrs. Holbrook. It contained three five dollar bills, and five dollars more in small notes. “Mrs. Holbrook is very liberal,” he reflected, complacently. “It will be a pleasure to be in her service. I am fortunate in finding such good friends.”