"The boy may belong to the circus," thought Mrs. Grey, "but I should be glad if my son were as accomplished, while I could not desire him to be any more refined." Ronald was secretly surprised, and not over well pleased at Robert's popularity. He found himself in a minority of one in his sneering attempts to decry him. At the end of a week, when Robert was beginning to consider seriously what employment he should follow in place of the one he had been compelled to abandon, he received a letter through the mail which equally surprised and pleased him. CHAPTER XXIII. WHAT THE LETTER CONTAINED. The letter, which was directed in a bold hand to Robert Rudd, care of Dr. Grey, ran thus: "ROBERT RUDD: I understand that you have left the circus on account of the accident you met with recently, and I presume that you have not yet found anything else to do. I chanced to be at Crampton and saw you perform, and was favorably impressed by your appearance. I am about to make a journey to the West, and need the services of a boy or young man to assist me in writing and serve me in other ways, and I feel disposed to employ you, if you would like to accept the engagement. I cannot offer you as high pay as you probably received at the circus, but am ready to pay your travelling expenses and pay you five dollars per week. "Be kind enough to let me know at once whether you will accept my offer, or rather, if you are favorably disposed, come at once to New York and call upon me at the St. Nicholas Hotel. You will find me in room No. 35. I would suggest that the sooner you can come to me the better. "Yours truly, "JOHN FITZGERALD." Robert read this letter with mingled surprise and gratification. It was pleasant to think he would soon be employed and earning his own livelihood, and he could have thought of no engagement more likely to suit him. "What is your letter about, Robert?" asked Sidney. "Read it for yourself, Sidney," said Robert, passing it to him. "What do you think of it?" he asked, later. "I think it is a splendid chance. I wouldn't mind having such an offer myself." "I think I am in luck," said Robert, complacently. "Then you mean to accept it?" "Certainly; I should be very foolish if I did not. I have been wondering what I could get to do, and this comes just in the nick of time." "I am almost sorry the offer has come to you, Robert. I had been expecting you would stay with me a considerable time." "I should be sure to enjoy it if I was willing to be idle, but I have an independent spirit, and I prefer to earn my own living. I will come back and visit you some time if you will let me." "Let you! I shall quarrel with you if you don't. Perhaps, however, you would prefer to visit Ronald Percy."