"You see, doctor, the boys here generally leave school at about thirteen or fourteen, which I suppose is about Fred's age now. And I am too tired in the evening, with this big school on my hands, to give him private lessons, which I would if I could. He's very clever; there's nothing he could not learn. I suppose old Betty is making a gardener of him; the best she can do, but 'tis a pity." The doctor went home to his delicate wife, who, poor thing, could no longer take care of her boy's grave, for she was a prisoner on her sofa, and never likely to be better. "Lucy, you know the boy whom Betty Giles took to care for, and whom we have partly clothed?" "Little Fred? Oh yes, I know him. A very fine boy, though indeed, I have not seen him for a long time. I hope he is not ill?" "Not he. But Dale, the schoolmaster, you know, was just speaking to me about him. It seems he is very clever. You know that he has long kept his little brother's grave in order, but I never told you that since you have been laid by, he has done the same for our little grave. I used to go and look, meaning to have it settled, and I wondered how your work lasted so long, my poor girl, when one evening I found him hard at work. Well, now, it seems to me a pity that a boy like this, evidently belonging to respectable people, should be condemned to leave school at thirteen and to earn his bread as a labourer. And if his people ever turn up, it would be a terrible blow to them, don't you think so?" "Yes, but really after all these years—nine years now—I hardly expect his people to trace him. But if he is a fine, clever lad, one would give him a chance for his own sake. What did you think of? You are well off, and we have no—no one to come after us, Alick. We might well do this." Dr. Wentworth's worn face brightened. "I was half afraid you might dislike the idea of having a boy about the house, dear." "About the house," she said, with a start, "did you say? I did not understand at first. But no, Alick, I do not object at all. It would be an interest for you." "My idea is to train him to help me in the dispensary; Mark Fletcher will soon be leaving me. Then I can give him lessons myself, and, if he really is clever, get Mr. Hewson to teach him, and so as time passes, we shall see what he really is fit for, and how we like him. My dear, I know you consent only for my sake, but I hope it may prove an interest for you too, and brighten your life a bit. It seems to me that he is a boy one would get fond of easily." Mrs. Wentworth said nothing. She thought that plans for the future mattered more to the doctor than to her. Intent on his idea, Dr. Wentworth went to see Betty Giles the next day. He found the old woman sitting in the sun at her front door, knitting a stocking, and looking complacently at her crop of young annuals. "Well, Betty, how goes the world with you?" he said.