Mr. Packard was a man of promptness and energy. He visited a real estate agent, and soon made choice of a medium-sized house in a good neighborhood. This he furnished plainly and quickly, for there is no need of delay where means are abundant. Inside of a month the little family were comfortably established in their new home. "Will there be room for Fred, my little ward?" asked Rupert. "Certainly. It will be pleasant to have a young child in the house." Rupert had one apprehension. He feared that his friends, the Bentons, would miss the sum he paid for the little boy's board. But Mrs. Benton set him at ease. "An old schoolmate of my husband, who is in a business position on Pearl Street, would like to board with us," she said, "and is able and willing to pay a liberal sum. I feared at first that he would not be satisfied with our modest quarters, but he says he wants a home, not a stylish boarding-house, so he will be content." "Then you won't be inconvenienced by losing Fred's board?" "No, but we shall miss the dear child's company. You must let him come to see us sometimes." "Certainly I will, and we shall always be glad to see you as a visitor. Does Mr. Benton still find his place on Grand Street agreeable and satisfactory?" "Yes. He seems to stand high in the estimation of his employer." Little Fred at first was sorry to leave Mrs. Benton, but soon formed an attachment for Mrs. Rollins and Grace. "Since he is your adopted son, Rupert," said his mother, "I suppose I may look upon him as my grandson." "By adoption, mother," said Rupert, with a smile. "Now, Mr. Packard, what do you advise me to do?" asked Rupert. "Spend at least six months in study. Go to some commercial college, and when you have completed your course of instruction I shall be ready with some plan for you." CHAPTER XL. CONCLUSION. Rupert was walking down Broadway some two months later when he came unexpectedly upon Julian Lorimer. Julian was swinging a light cane, and wore a "stunning" necktie. He glanced superciliously at Rupert, and was about to pass without recognition, but curiosity overcame pride, and he called out, "Halloo, Rollins!" "Halloo, Lorimer!" answered Rupert. Julian frowned slightly. It was all very well for him to say "Rollins," but he expected Rupert to say "Mr. Lorimer." "I haven't seen you for some time," he said. "Are you still a bell-boy?" "No." "Got sacked, eh?" "I sacked myself." "What are you doing, then?" "Going to a commercial school." Julian looked surprised. "Who pays your expenses if you are earning nothing?" "I pay my own bills, thank you." "It's very foolish for you to give up work. You will spend all your money, and what will you do then?" "Perhaps apply to your father for a situation," said Rupert, smiling. "I don't think he needs any cash-boys at present. "Are you working?" "Yes, I am with Ward & Weston, Wall Street brokers." "I hope you like it."