"It goes," Betty said cheerily; "that's just it, doctor. It goes, and it goes, and soon 'twill be gone, or I shall, which comes to the same thing as far as I'm concerned." "It is well for those who can, say that cheerfully, Betty." "Well, now, I do feel cheerful, and I just hope I'm not like Ignorance in the 'Pilgrim.' Fred read me that book, and surely, next to the Bible, it comes home to one. But I don't really think I'm like he, though I'm ignorant enough. Not ignorant of my dear Saviour, though. I feel Him keeping me, somehow." "Ah, old friend, many a learned man might envy you. I came to talk to you about Fred. Where is he?" "Playing cricket on the green. Schoolmaster tells him he's getting too old for school, and that he won't learn much by staying on. I sometimes wish we could find his people. He's growing up—poor Fred!" "That is just what I came to talk about, Betty. Dale spoke to me about him. He thinks him very clever." "About book cleverness, sir, I know naught, but he reads as well as any clergyman; I'm told he's quite as good at writing and cyphering. But as to hand cleverness, that I can speak to. There's nothing ever was done with hands that he couldn't learn to do." "Well, I want an assistant in the dispensary. Fred is rather young, but Fletcher will not leave me at once, and I will teach the boy carefully. If he turns out well, I will take care of his future. You'll be glad, I dare say, to have a big fellow like him off your hands; you must find it hard to do for him now." "I don't, then," said Betty, shortly. "I'll find it harder to do without him. But I won't stand in his way. I suppose you want to take him altogether—to live in your house, maybe?" "I did think of that. You see, my wife could teach him so much, and so could I. But, to get the full benefit of this, he must be always at hand." "Ay, ay, I understand. Well, I've had him a long time, and he's been as a son to me, and a good son, too. I won't stand in his way." "I see him coming now, Betty." And in a moment more, Fred stood before them, having taken off his straw hat to pay due respect to the doctor. "Fred, my dear boy, here's good news for you," began Betty, briskly. "Many a time have I taken a little fret, wondering what would become of you when I die, and that can't be very far off, for I'm getting very old and failed. Now, here's Dr. Wentworth offering you a good place with him, where you'll get learning, and have work to do more suitable to you than gardening. And I'm thankful to know it, Fred." Fred looked from one to the other. "I don't quite understand," he said, "but I'm much obliged to Dr. Wentworth; he's always been very kind to me." The doctor, who by this time had found a seat on the doorstep, began to explain. Fred listened attentively. Then he looked at Betty, who forthwith assumed what she intended for a pleased and encouraging smile. Fred laughed, and for a healthy boy, he laughed but seldom.