"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 flirt¹ 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.

 

Ben stooped and picked it up, and, to his surprise, discovered that it was a ten-dollar bill.

 

"That's a correspondent worth having," said Mr. Brown jocosely². "Can't you give me a letter of introduction?"

 

Ben didn't answer, for he was by this time deep the letter. We will look over his shoulder and read it with him. It ran thus:

 

 

"No. ---- Madison Avenue,

New York, October 5.

 

 

"My Dear Young Friend:

 

"Will you come to New York and call upon me? I have a very pleasant remembrance of you and the service you did me recently, and think I can employ you in other ways, to our mutual³ advantage. I am willing to pay you a higher salary than you are receiving in your country home, besides providing you with a home in my own house. I inclose ten dollars for expenses. Yours, with best wishes,

 

"Helen Hamilton"

 

 

Ben's heart beat with joyful⁴ excitement as he read this letter. It could not have come at a better time, for, as we know, he was out of employment, and, of course, earning nothing.

 

"Well, Ben," said the postmaster, whose curiosity was excited, is it good news?"

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