One two-foot shelf of books, consisting of several sterling works upon mathematics, in a damaged condition; five of Shakespeare's plays, expurgated for schools and colleges, and also damaged; a work upon political economy, and another upon the science of physics; Webster's Collegiate Dictionary; How to Enter a Drawing-Room and Five Hundred Other Hints; Witty Sayings from Here and There; Lorna Doone; Quentin Durward; The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, a very old copy of Moths, and a small Bible. William spread handkerchiefs upon the two over-bulging cargoes, that their nature might not be disclosed to the curious, and, after listening a moment at his door, took the baskets, one upon each arm, then went quickly down the stairs and out of the house, out of the yard, and into the alley--by which route he had modestly chosen to travel. ... After an absence of about two hours he returned empty-handed and anxious. “Mother, I want to speak to you,” he said, addressing Mrs Baxter in a voice which clearly proved the strain of these racking days. “I want to speak to you about something important.” “Yes, Willie?” “Please send Jane away. I can't talk about important things with a child in the room.” Jane naturally wished to stay, since he was going to say something important. “Mamma, do I HAF to go?” “Just a few minutes, dear.” Jane walked submissively out of the door, leaving it open behind her. Then, having gone about six feet farther, she halted and, preserving a breathless silence, consoled herself for her banishment by listening to what was said, hearing it all as satisfactorily as if she had remained in the room. Quiet, thoughtful children, like Jane, avail themselves of these little pleasures oftener than is suspected. “Mother,” said William, with great intensity, “I want to ask you please to lend me three dollars and sixty cents.” “What for, Willie?” “Mother, I just ask you to lend me three dollars and sixty cents.” “But what FOR?” “Mother, I don't feel I can discuss it any; I simply ask you: Will you lend me three dollars and sixty cents?” Mrs. Baxter laughed gently. “I don't think I could, Willie, but certainly I should want to know what for.” “Mother, I am going on eighteen years of age, and when I ask for a small sum of money like three dollars and sixty cents I think I might be trusted to know how to use it for my own good without having to answer questions like a ch--” “Why, Willie,” she exclaimed, “you ought to have plenty of money of your own!” “Of course I ought,” he agreed, warmly. “If you'd ask father to give me a regular allow--” “No, no; I mean you ought to have plenty left out of that old junk and furniture I let you sell last month. You had over nine dollars!' “That was five weeks ago,” William explained, wearily. “But you certainly must have some of it left. Why, it was MORE than nine dollars, I believe! I think it was nearer ten. Surely you haven't--”