Nowhere did Gilbert receive heartier congratulations on the change in his fortunes than from Mr. Vivian and his family. Fred only was disturbed.

“I suppose you won’t be willing to teach me any more, now you are rich, Gilbert,” he said.

“I don’t think it will make any difference, Fred,” said Gilbert; “but I must consult your father about my plans.”

“What are your own views and wishes, Gilbert?” asked the merchant.

“I want to get a better education,” said Gilbert. “I should like to carry out my original plan, and go to college. After I graduate I may devote myself to business; but a good education won’t interfere with that.”

350“I approve your plan,” said Mr. Vivian. “Of course you will resign your place at the broker’s.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Then I shall submit a plan for your future. We all like you, and you can be of use to Fred. Come and live with us. You can complete your preparation for college at some first-class school in the city, and enter next summer, if you like.”

“I hope you will come, Gilbert,” said Laura.

It might have been her voice which decided Gilbert to accept. At any rate, he did accept gratefully; and in less than a week he was installed at Mr. Vivian’s as a member of the family.

Mr. Sands was sorry to lose his services, but acknowledged that it was better for him to give up his place. The day after his retirement he was sitting in Madison Park, when John, who had once caused him to lose his place, espied him. John had not yet succeeded in securing a place, nor had Mr. Moore, the book-keeper.

“What brings you here at this time in the day?” asked John, in surprise.

351“I am a gentleman of leisure,” answered Gilbert.

“Have you left Mr. Sands?” asked John, eagerly.

“Yes.”

“Been bounced, eh?” asked John, radiantly.

Gilbert smiled. He understood John’s feelings.

“No,” he answered. “I left of my own accord.”

“You haven’t got another place?”

“No.”

“Then it’s too thin, your leaving of your own accord.”

“It does look so, I admit,” said Gilbert, good-humoredly. “But it is true, nevertheless.”

“Why did you leave, then? You haven’t had a fortune left you?”

“You’ve hit it, John. I no longer need my pay. I have become rich, and shall go on preparing for college.”

“Is that really so?”

“It is quite true.”

“Some folks are lucky,” said John, enviously. “I aint one of that kind. I wish I could get your old place.”

352“I am afraid Mr. Sands wouldn’t take you back. I wish he would, and that you would do so well that he would keep you.”

“That will do to say; but you wouldn’t help me back.”

“Yes, I would, and will. I will go down to the office now, and ask Mr. Sands to take you back.”

“You will, after the mean way I have treated you?” exclaimed John, in surprise.

“I don’t bear any malice, John,” said Gilbert. “Here, take my hand, and look upon me as a friend. If I can’t get you back into my old place, I’ll try elsewhere. Come, let us take the cars down-town, and I’ll see what I can do for you.”

“What a good fellow you are, Gilbert!” said John, much moved. “I am ashamed of trying to injure you.”

“You didn’t know me, then. But, John, will ............