“I am very glad to see you, Mr. Gray,” said Jennie, extending her hand.

“I am hardly used to that name,” said Philip, smiling.

“When I get well acquainted with you I shall call you Philip.”

“I hope you will.”

Within an hour Miss Jennie appeared to feel well acquainted with her brother’s friend, for she dropped “Mr. Gray” altogether, and called him Philip.

At her solicitation he played on his violin.  Both Mr. Taylor and
Jennie were surprised at the excellence of his execution.

When Philip rose to go, Mr. Taylor said cordially: 

“I cannot permit you to leave us, Philip.  You must remain here as our guest.”

“But, sir, I left my things at a hotel.”

“Then Henry will go with you and get them.”

So Philip found himself established in a fine house on Madison Avenue as a favored guest.

The next morning, when Mr. Taylor went to his office, he asked Philip to go with him.  Arrived in Wall Street, he sent a boy to the bank with a check.  On his return, he selected five twenty-dollar bills, and handed them to Philip.

“You have expended some money for Henry,” he said.

“Yes, sir; but not quarter as much as this.”

“Then accept the rest as a gift.  You will probably need some new clothes.  Henry will take you to our tailor.  Don’t spare expense.  The bill will be sent to me.”

“But, Mr. Taylor, I do not deserve such kindness.”

“Let me be the judge of that.  In a few days I shall have a proposal to make to you.”

This was the proposal, and the way it was made: 

“I find, Philip,” said Mr. Taylor, some days later, “that Henry is much attached to you, and that your influence over him is excellent.  He has agreed to go to an academy in Connecticut, and study hard for a year, provided you will go with him.  I take it for granted you haven’t completed your education?”

“No, sir.”

“I shall pay all the bills and provide for you in every way, exactly as I do for Henry.”

“But, Mr. Taylor, how can I ever repay you?” asked Philip.

“By being Henry’s friend and adviser—­perhaps, I may say, guardian—­for, although you are about the same age, you are far wiser and more judicious.”

“I will certainly do the best I can for him, sir.”

During the next week the two boys left New York, and became pupils at Doctor Shelley’s private academy, at Elmwood—­a pleasant country town not far from Long Island Sound—­and there we bid them adieu.

The end.