Gilbert called upon the Vivians the same evening. He was received with as much cordiality as on his first visit.

“Now,” said Mr. Vivian, laying down the evening paper, which he had been reading at Gilbert’s entrance, “tell me how you came to lose your place.”

Gilbert told his story in the fewest possible words.

“It’s a great shame,” said Fred, indignantly; “I’d like to put a head on that book-keeper.”

“I sympathize with you, Fred,” said Laura; “but I think you might have expressed yourself differently.”

“Your sister is right, Fred,” said Mr. Vivian; “you must not be too ready to employ street phrases.”

“That’s what I mean, any way,” said Fred.

231“Do you think your employer will do you justice when he returns?” asked Mr. Vivian.

“Yes, sir. Mr. Sands is an excellent man, and he knows very well that Mr. Moore is prejudiced against me.”

“Then you expect to be taken back?”

“Yes, sir.”

“If anything should occur to prevent, come at once and let me know.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Before the evening was over Gilbert managed to introduce the subject of the little flower-girl whom he had befriended. He gave an account of the father’s sickness, and the little girl’s devotion. Fred and Laura were much interested, and asked many questions, which Gilbert answered as well as he could.

“You think these people really worthy of assistance, Gilbert?” asked Mr. Vivian.

“Yes, sir, I have no doubt of it.”

“You know there are many impostors, who live by working on the sympathies of the benevolent?”

“Yes, sir; but in this case I have no hesitation at 232all. I am sure Mr. Talbot and the little girl deserve help.”

“In that case,” said the merchant, “I am willing to do something for them.”

He drew from his pocket a ten-dollar bill and handed it to Gilbert.

“It may be best,” he suggested, “not to give them this money all at once, but a dollar or two at a time, in order to insure its careful use.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Gilbert, joyfully; “this money will be like a fortune to them. I will see that your wishes are carried out.”

“Papa,” said Fred, “may I give Gilbert my five-dollar gold piece for the little girl and her father?”

“Not at present, Fred; though I am glad you feel like offering it. When this money is expended, Gilbert will let us know, and then we will see what else is to be done.”

“You are a dear, good boy, to offer the money,” sa............