Mr. Talbot turned on being addressed and said: "What, Paul, are you here?" "Mr. Talbot, this is my mother," said Paul. "Mrs. Hoffman," said Mr. Talbot, with as much courtesy as if he were addressing his social equal, "I am glad to make your acquaintance. My dear, this is Mrs. Hoffman." Mrs. Talbot greeted both cordially, and made some inquiries about Jimmy. She observed with pleasure the neat appearance of the entire family, feeling sure that those who were so careful about their own appearance would be equally careful of her house. She also thought more favorably of them for their attendance at church, having herself a high respect for religious observances. Of course Paul and his mother thanked her in fitting terms for the gift which had enabled them to replace their losses by the fire. After a brief conversation they parted, Mr. and Mrs. Talbot going uptown, while Paul and his mother had nearly two miles to walk in a different direction. "Next Sunday we shall be walking uptown also," said Paul. "It will look well in the Directory, 'Paul Hoffman, merchant; house, Madison avenue,' won't it?" "Yes," said his mother, "so long as it doesn't mention that you live in the basement." "Some time I hope to occupy a whole house of my own." "In Madison avenue?" "Perhaps so; who knows?" "I see, Paul, you are getting ambitious." "Where shall I be, Paul?" asked Jimmy, who felt that his future prospects deserved consideration. "Oh, you'll be a famous artist, and have a studio on Fifth avenue." "Do you think so, Paul?" asked the little fellow seriously. "I hope so. All you want is a little help from me now and then. If I had time I would give you a course of lessons in drawing." "You draw awfully, Paul." "Do you draw any better?" "Of course I do." "Mother," said Paul, with much gravity, "that boy's self-conceit is unbounded. You ought to talk to him about it." But though Paul liked to joke Jimmy, he had already decided, after they moved uptown, to give him an opportunity of developing his talent by engaging a drawing teacher for him. The large saving in their expenses from not being obliged to pay rent would allow him to do this easily. He had not yet mentioned this to Jimmy, for he meant to surprise him. CHAPTER IX. JULIUS. At the time appointed, Paul and his mother moved into their new home. It was necessary to buy but a small quantity of new furniture, as Mrs. Talbot authorized them to take down from the upper rooms anything of which they had need. She was led to this offer by the favorable opinion she had formed of Mrs. Hoffman. With the exception, therefore, of some bedding and a rocking-chair, the latter purchased nothing.