"Does your mother prefer the city to the country?" "No, sir; but she has no choice." "Suppose I obtain for her a position as housekeeper in the family of an elderly gentleman in Rutherford, about ten miles out on the Erie Railroad, would she accept?" "She would be glad to do so but for Grace. She could not be separated from her." "There would be no occasion. My uncle lives alone in a large house, and a child would make the house pleasanter." "Some gentlemen don't like children." "That is not the case with Uncle Ben. But let us go out. You have no further business here. We will go into the Astor House reading room and have a chat." Rupert followed his friend to the Astor House and they ascended to the reading room on the second floor. Taking adjoining armchairs, Mr. Sylvester drew from his pocket the following letter which he showed to Rupert. It ran thus: "My housekeeper is about to leave me, to join her married daughter in Wisconsin. I must supply her place, but I know of no one in Rutherford who would suit me. Can't you find me some one--a pleasant, ladylike person, who would make my house homelike and attractive? I think you know my tastes. Please give this matter your early attention. BENJAMIN STRATHMORE." "Now," continued Mr. Sylvester, "I was quite at a loss whom to recommend, but I think your mother would suit Uncle Ben." "Suppose you call and make her acquaintance, Mr. Sylvester. Then you can tell better. That is, if you don't object to visiting our poor home." "My dear Rupert, I shall be delighted to meet your mother. One thing I am sure of in advance, she is a lady." "She is, Mr. Sylvester," said Rupert, warmly. Mrs. Rollins was a good deal surprised when Rupert entered the room, followed by a handsomely-dressed young man, and she rose from her seat in some trepidation. "Mother," said Rupert, "this is Mr. Sylvester, who was kind enough to give us the money and provisions I brought home the other day." "I am glad to meet so kind a friend," said the widow, with simple dignity. "Ask him to take a seat." "I came to make you a business proposal," began Mr. Sylvester, who was already favorably impressed with Rupert's mother. "Your son thinks you might be willing to accept the position of housekeeper in my uncle's family, in Rutherford." Mrs. Rollins instinctively looked towards Grace. "I see what you are thinking of," interposed her caller. "There will be no difficulty about taking your daughter with you." "Then I shall be glad to accept. And Rupert----" "Rupert, I am sure, will prefer to remain in the city. I will find him a place. Till then he can stay with me." Rupert brightened up at this suggestion. He had no desire to go to the country, but would like nothing more than a place in some city establishment. "How soon could you arrange to go, Mrs. Rollins?" "Next Monday." "That will answer. I will apprise my uncle. Now as to the compensation."