"Yes, and I am glad for your sake it is so. Jabez, is not going to be President. But if you think of it, almost all the men of mark in our country that you or I know much about have begun by being just such boys as Jabez." "Yes, indeed!" said Fidelia; and she went over the names of half a dozen who were prominent men in the State, and in other States. "Yes, and even better men and greater men, in your opinion and in mine, than some of these," said Miss Eunice gently; and in her turn she gave the names of a good many distinguished ministers who had begun life as farmers' boys, and the names of missionaries in whom they took interest for their work's sake, as well. Deacon Ainsworth did not get much help from Miss Eunice, nor from Dr Everett either. "Whether Jabez is fit to make a scholar remains to be seen," said the doctor. "But he has the fever on him, and he is bound to try." "I know he is a smart boy," said the deacon dolefully. "He isn't a boy any longer. And I think he sees his way clear before him. You can't keep him at home on the farm, deacon, and you may as well let him go, and help him along all you can." All this had been at the beginning of the winter. Jabez had gone to school, and in the spring the deacon saw that he must let him go his own way. As to helping him along--that had to be considered. But in the meantime, till he should get strong again, Jabez was permitted to do as he liked. He had changed very much since the beginning of the winter, especially since his illness. He looked less like an overgrown boy, and more like a lank and loose-jointed young man, who did not know quite what to do with his hands or feet in certain circumstances, and who was in danger of slouching somewhat, and of getting a stoop in his shoulders, unless some one took him in hand. Mrs Stone did him this kindness, and to good purpose. He changed in other ways. He talked less, and it is to be supposed, thought more. But, though he was rather silent than otherwise, he was as cheerful as ever, and more gentle and considerate at home. His grandfather could see the difference, and acknowledged a hope that with his help the boy might come out right at last. His help at this time was given in a way that Jabez could appreciate. It was the grandfather this time who proposed to Miss Eunice that she should let Jabez have her garden again. He was afraid of the mischief found for idle hands, and he could not be satisfied that in his books Jabez might find enough work to keep him out of any temptation to idleness. So the proposal about the garden was made by him.