"Very much," answered Paul promptly. He saw at a glance that it would be a great thing to save their rent, amounting, at the sum they expected to pay, to more than two hundred and fifty dollars a year. "Where is the house?" "It is in Madison avenue, between Thirty-third and Thirty-fourth streets." This was a considerable distance uptown, about three miles away from his place of business; but then Paul reflected that even if he rode up and down daily in the cars the expense would be trifling, compared with what they would save in house-rent. Besides, it would be rather agreeable to live in so fashionable a street. "Do you think my mother can get the chance?" he asked. "I think so. The gentleman of whom I spoke, Mr. Talbot, expects to sail for Europe next Wednesday, by the Cunard Line. So the matter must be decided soon." "Shall I call upon Mr. Talbot," asked Paul, "or shall you see him?" "Here he is, by good luck," said Mr. Preston, as the door opened and an elderly gentleman entered. "Talbot, you are just the man I want to see." "Indeed! I am glad to hear that. What is it?" "Have you arranged about your house yet?" "No; I came in partly to ask if you knew of any trustworthy family to put in while I am away." "I can recommend some one who will suit you, I think," returned Mr. Preston. "The young man at your side." "He hasn't got a family already?" inquired Mr. Talbot, with a humorous glance at our hero. "It seems to me he is rather forward." "I believe not," said Mr. Preston, smiling; "but he has a mother, a very worthy woman, and a little brother. As for my young friend himself, I can recommend him from my own knowledge of his character. In fact, he has done me the honor of making me his banker to the extent of a hundred and fifty dollars." "So that you will go bail for him. Well, that seems satisfactory. What is his name?" "Paul Hoffman." "Are you in a counting-room?" asked Mr. Talbot, turning to Paul. "No, sir; I keep a necktie stand below the Astor House." "I must have seen you in passing. I thought your face looked familiar. How much can you make now at that?" "From twelve to fifteen dollars a week, sir." "Very good. That is a good deal more than I made at your age." "Or I," added Mr. Preston. "Paul was burned out yesterday," he added, "and is obliged to seek a new home. When he mentioned this to me, I thought at once that you could make an arrangement for your mutual advantage." "I shall be glad to do so," said Mr. Talbot. "Your recommendation is sufficient, Mr. Preston. Do you understand the terms proposed?" he continued, addressing Paul. "Yes, sir, I think so. We are to have our rent free, and in return are to look after the house."