e neighbors, and indeed the whole population of the village, came and went continually-some few with genuine grief

ut he himself needed consolation fully as much as any of them. He had thought much of his father, and the cold form

y had gathered in the little kitchen to partake of a cup of tea, and to talk over the situation. Mrs. Dare sat in a r

g very soon now," began the boy. "It won't do for m

Dare

eplied, shaking her head sadly. "It is all so sudden

put in Nancy. She herself had been secretly wo

o," responded Richard. "The fe

try New York?" said Grace

d not finish, but glanced o

d be so lonely-your father and you both out of the house. I would r

to offer," returned Richard. "In our circumstance

Dare's reply. "You are old enou

he called upon Dr. Melvin to obtain some medicine for his mother, and after thi

"unless you wish to go on one of the farms. But they are

ld find nothing else," replied the boy

dded his head

It would be a good chance to learn medicine. But there woul

prompt reply. "It is kind in you to make the offer,

known you for a number of years, and if you need

at," replied the boy, and after a fe

painter for whom his father had worked. He found the old workm

ressed numerous regrets over the sad accident. "Well, here it is, the week in full, and I'm might

. "Besides there is too much here," he added, as he c

ow," returned Mr. Barrows bri

something to support m

g, and what we have sav

ou what I'll do, though. I'll teach you the trade-teach you it just

care about the mon

the trade for three years, and start you at two dollars a week. I wouldn't give any ot

s said about the amount was true, but still he needed more, and for

it over before I decide," he said. "Thre

Besides, I'll raise your wages just as so

it," was all the

ly of five," sighed Richard, as he walked away. "And then to b

he blacksmith shop and to several people whom he thought might give him employment, brought forth no re

in the afternoon. Grace met

ick?" she as

d, and related

his sister. "Maybe it

ister i

. C

amma, and I heard them mention your n

was their old family pastor, had great influence with his

say," said Richard, and a moment later h

k him cordial

you," he said. "How have you far

oy to

l, there is hardly a

er in New York," went on the minister. "It is a big place, an

ut I should wat

as this," continued Mr. Cook earnestly; "and it very often takes all th

't right!" burst out Ric

into the clear, outsp

ng, thanks to your mother and father. Well, I have advis

Mr. C

two weeks, at least. The fare is only four dollars and a half, and board for that

ob," declared Richard. "I only want my ra

have you stay out doors all night, like a tra

I go?" asked R

gave a sad

ve your mother so v

ing something-helping you and

way to hide the tears that sprang up at the thought of her only boy leaving the shelter of the

ny months was to be realized. He was to go to New York, to tread the street

disappointments in store for him. He was striking

succeed

hall