“That was my mistake,” came another voice over the wire--the central girl’s voice. “I beg your pardon,” she added. “That’s all right,” said Tom pleasantly. He wished Mr. Cutler could have heard the explanation, but the lawyer, in disgust, had hung up his receiver until Tom should get him the right connection. “I thought I didn’t give the wrong number,” mused the boy. “I hope I don’t do anything more to annoy Mr. Cutler. He seems to get angry very easily.” Tom was glad when it was time to go home, and he found his mother and aunt ready to welcome him, for Charley had told them the good news. “I’m so glad!” exclaimed Mrs. Baldwin. “This is the best place you’ve had yet.” “And so refined,” added Miss Ramsey. “I always wanted a lawyer in the family, and now Tom has a chance to be one.” “I’m afraid it will be a good many years before I can learn law over the switchboard, Aunt Sallie.” “Oh, but you will have opportunities. I think it is better to be a lawyer than a bookseller.” “Especially as I haven’t any chance to become a bookseller,” added Tom with a laugh. “Well, mother, is there anything I can do for you?” “Yes, Tom; I have just finished some sewing for Mrs. Crawford Leeth. I wish you would take it home, when I have made out the bill. I think she will pay you, for she owes me for some other work, and she promised to settle for it all when I sent this waist home. So please ask her, if she doesn’t offer to give you the money.” “I will, mother. I suppose I’d better not sit on this, in case the car is crowded,” he added with a smile. “Mercy sakes, no!” exclaimed his aunt. “It has some valuable lace on it. Be very careful of it, Tom.” It was quite a long ride to where Mrs. Leeth lived, and it was nearly eight o’clock when Tom arrived. The house was a fine one, in an exclusive residential section, and the door was opened by a colored butler. “Here’s the dress for Mrs. Leeth,” said Tom. “I’ll take it,” replied the butler. “But I want to see Mrs. Leeth,” insisted Tom, who had in mind his mother’s injunction to get the money. “She am busy.” “Then I’ll wait,” said Tom firmly, and, holding on to the package, which the butler offered to take from him, he stepped into the hall, and sat down. “I’ll tell her about it,” promised the colored man, “but she hab some company, an’ I know she won’t see you.” “You might take her this,” suggested Tom, handing the colored man the bill. The butler vanished behind some hanging plush portieres, and came back presently to say: “She’ll be heah immejeet, but she doan’t laik to be ’sturbed when she hab company. She am very indignant.” “She is, eh?” thought Tom. “So would my mother be if I didn’t come back with the money.” Presently there was a swish of silken skirts, and a handsomely-dressed woman came into the reception hall where Tom sat. “Have you brought my dress, boy?” she asked sharply. “Yes, ma’am,” answered Tom, rising.