“‘The description you have given of those children convinces me that my task will be rather an agreeable one; because pride and independence are by no means evil qualities, unless possessed by ignorant people; and they are far from being ignorant, judging from what you have told me. Mrs. Rockland will be glad to receive them, as we have no children of our own; consequently, she leads rather a lonely existence; so you may consider the matter settled.’ “‘Here is a card for Harry Wallingford,’ said a bell-boy, as he dipped his head in the door. “Harry read as follows: “‘HARRY WALLINGFORD: “‘SIR--Please call at my office immediately. I wish to see you on important business. Respectfully, N. ROCKLAND.’ “Harry went to the office without delay, while his mind was crowded with conjectures as to what kind of business was to be discussed. He found Mr. Rockland seated near a table covered with a huge mass of papers, busily engaged looking over them, and when Harry entered the office the old lawyer fixed his eyes on him for a moment as if measuring his worth. “‘Take a seat, little man; I suppose you are Harry Wallingford?’ “‘Yes, sir.’ “‘Mr. Bramlett was speaking to me about you, and, by the by, he has given you a very favorable recommendation, and I have concluded to offer you employment, if we can agree on terms. I want a boy to help me in my office, and you shall have the place, if you think it will suit you.’ “‘I shall be glad, sir, to get the place, and shall try to please you.’ “‘Very good; I shall not be able to offer you very large wages.’ “‘I could not expect it, sir.’ “‘Then to come to the point, I propose to board and clothe you and your sister for the work you and she can do. She can be a sort of companion to Mrs. Rockland. You see we have no children, therefore your sister will no doubt be able to help Mrs. Rockland in many ways; meantime she can go to school; so can you; but then you will have to work very hard, because I shall require you to work mornings and evenings, and sometimes late at night. This, you know, must be understood before we close the contract. If I board, clothe and educate you and your sister, you see it will require all the money that you and she could earn.’ “‘I am afraid, sir, we shall not be able to earn enough to pay for all that.’ “‘I’ll risk that; but you’ll find I shall keep you very busy. And then I must find a situation for your step-brother.’ “‘He has found a situation with Doctor Dodson, sir.’ “‘Oh! has he? That’s lucky; then we are all right; is it a bargain between us?’ “‘Yes, sir; and I am very thankful. When do you wish me to commence?’ “‘Stay with Mr. Bramlett until he starts to New Orleans, then bring your sister to my house, and we shall go to work.’