"I will go right up to the mayor's house now," said Katy, as she bade him good afternoon. Before she went, she returned home and nicely enclosed six sticks of candy in white paper as a present for Freddie, the mayor's little son. On her way up to Park Street she opened Simon's paper, and read it. It sounded funny to her, with its big words and fine sentences; and then what a puffing Master Simon had given himself! She even began to wonder if there was not something about her gentlemanly friend which was not all right. She reached the mayor's house, and as it was his time to be at home, she was conducted to the library. "Ah, Katy, I am glad to see you," said he, taking her hand. "Thank you, sir. I have brought this candy for Master Freddie." "You are very good, and I suppose you are so proud that I must not offer to pay you for it." "If you please, don't, sir," replied Katy, unconsciously taking Master Simon's testimonial from her pocket. "I don't want you to pay me in money, but you may pay me in another way, if you please." "May I? What have you in your hand?" "A paper, sir. You remember Master Simon Sneed?" "No, I don't." "The young man at Sands & Co.'s." "O, yes; the young gentleman that uses so many long words." "He has left his place, and wants to get another." "He has left it? Why was that?" "He asked for more wages. He has found another place, which he can have if he can get a testimonial." "Let him ask Sands & Co." "They won't give him one, because they are so angry with him for leaving them." "That indeed!" "Master Simon wants you to give him one," continued Katy, who, in her confusion was jumping at the conclusion of the matter rather too hastily, and before she had produced a proper impression in regard to her hero's transcendent character and ability. "Does he, indeed," laughed the mayor. "He is very modest." "He said, as you are his friend, you would not object to giving him one." "What have you in your hand, Katy? Has he written one to save me the trouble?" laughed the mayor. "I asked him to do so. You can copy it off, if you please, sir." The mayor took the testimonial and proceeded to read it. Katy had already concluded from his manner that the business was not all correct, and she wished herself out of the scrape. He finished the reading, and then burst into a violent fit of laughter. "Your friend is very modest, Katy;--my friend Mr. Simon Sneed." "I hope I haven't done anything wrong, sir?" stammered Katy. "No, Katy; you have been imposed upon by a silly young man. You meant to do him a kindness--in your heart you had nothing but kindness--and I think the more of you for what you have done, and the less of Simon for what he has done. Did he think I would recommend him, when I know nothing about him? He is a conceited puppy, and, in my opinion, a worthless fellow. One of these days he will be 'an honor and an ornament' to the workhouse, if he does business in this manner."