“You’ll see the time when you’ll be glad to take such a job,” said Tom, who was personally disappointed that he would not be able to exhibit Ben as his father’s hired dependent.

“You seem to know all about it, Tom,” answered Ben.  “I shall be at work all next week, at much higher pay, for Silas Greyson.”

“How much does he pay you?”

“That is my private business, and wouldn’t interest you.”

“You’re mighty independent for a boy in your position.”

“Very likely.  Won’t you come in?”

“No,” answered Tom ungraciously; “I’ve wasted too much time here already.”

“I understand Tom’s object in wanting to hire me,” thought Ben.  “He wants to order me around.  Still, if the squire had been willing to pay a decent price, I would have accepted the job.  I won’t let pride stand in the way of my supporting mother and myself.”

This was a sensible and praiseworthy resolution, as I hope my young readers will admit.  I don’t think much of the pride that is willing to let others suffer in order that it may be gratified.

Ben worked a full week for Farmer Greyson, and helped unload the two cords of wood, which were his wages, in his mother’s yard.  Then there were two days of idleness, which made him anxious.  On the second day, just after supper, he met Rose Gardiner coming from the post office.

“Have you any correspondents in New York, Ben?” she asked.

“What makes you ask, Rose?”

Because the postmaster told me there was a letter for you by this evening’s mail.  It was mailed in New York, and was directed in a lady’s hand.  I hope you haven’t been flirting with any New York ladies, Mr. Barclay.”

“The only lady I know in New York is at least fifty years old,” answered Ben, smiling.

“That is satisfactory,” answered Rose solemnly.  “Then I won’t be jealous.”

“What can the letter be?” thought Ben.  “I hope it contains good news.”

He hurried to the post office in a fever of excitement.

CHAPTER XVII WHAT THE LETTER CONTAINED

“I hear there is a letter for me, Mr. Brown,” said Ben to the postmaster, who was folding the evening papers, of which he received a parcel from the city by the afternoon train.

“Yes, Ben,” answered the postmaster, smiling.  “It appears to be from a lady in New York.  You must have improved your time during your recent visit to the city.”

“I made the acquaintance of one lady older than my mother,” answered Ben.  “I didn’t flirt with her any.”

“At any rate, I should judge that she became interested in you or she wouldn’t write.”

“I hope she did, for she is very wealthy,” returned Ben.

The letter was placed in his hands, and he quickly tore it open.

Something dropped from it.

“What is that?” asked the postmaster.