“I could teach either, sir.”

“And of course you are well up in English branches?”

“I think I am.”

“My sister hints that you are poor, and obliged to earn your own living.  How, then, have you been able to secure so good an education?”

“I have only been poor for a short time.  My father left me fifty thousand dollars, but it was lost by my guardian.”

“Who was your guardian?”

“Mr. Benjamin Fielding.”

“I knew him well.  I don’t think he was an unprincipled man, but he was certainly imprudent, and was led into acts that were reprehensible.  Did he lose all your money for you?”

“Yes, sir.”

“What did you do?”

“Left the boarding school where I was being educated, and came to this city.”

“Did you obtain any employment?”

“Yes, sir; I have been employed for a short time by Otis Goodnow, a merchant of Reade Street.”

“And why did you leave?”

“Because Mr. Goodnow missed some articles from his stock, and I was charged with taking them.”

Rodney was fearful of the effect of his frank confession upon Mr. Sargent, but the latter soon reassured him.

“Your honesty in restoring my sister’s jewelry is sufficient proof that the charge was unfounded.  I shall not let it influence me.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Now as to the position of teacher, though very young, I don’t see why you should not fill it satisfactorily.  I will call Arthur.”

He went to the door and called “Arthur.”

A delicate looking boy with a sweet, intelligent face, came running into the room.

“Do you want me, papa?”

“Yes, Arthur.  I have a new friend for you.  Will you shake hands with him?”

Arthur, who was not a shy boy, went up at once to Rodney and offered his hand.

“I am glad to see you,” he said.

Rodney smiled.  He was quite taken with the young boy.

“What’s your name?” the latter asked.

“Rodney Ropes.”

“Are you going to stay and make us a visit?”

Mr. Sargent answered this question.

“Would you like to have Rodney stay?” he asked.

“Oh yes.”

“How would you like to have him give you lessons in Latin and other studies?”

“I should like it.  I am sure he wouldn’t be cross.  Are you a teacher, Rodney?”

“I will be your teacher if you are willing to have me.”

“Yes, I should like it.  And will you go to walk with me in Central Park?”

“Yes.”

“Then, papa, you may as well engage him.  I was afraid you would get a tiresome old man for my teacher.”

“That settles it, Rodney,” said Mr. Sargent, smiling.  “Now, Arthur, run out and I will speak further with Rodney about you.”

“All right, papa.”

“As Arthur seems to like you, I will give you a trial.  As he suggested, I should like to have you become his companion as well as teacher.  You will come here at nine o’clock in the morning, and stay till four, taking lunch with your pupil.  About the compensation, will you tell me what will be satisfactory to you?”