"Good-by!" repeated Rose, in surprise. "Why, where are you going?"

 

"To New York."

 

"But you are coming back again?"

 

"I hope so, but only for a visit now and then. I am offered a position in the city."

 

"Isn't that rather sudden?" said Rose, after a pause.

 

Ben explained how he came to be offered employment.

 

"I am to receive higher pay than I did here, and a home besides," he added, in a tone of satisfaction. "Don't you think I am lucky?"

 

"Yes, Ben, and I rejoice in your good fortune; but I shall miss you so much," said Rose frankly¹.

 

"I am glad of that," returned Ben. "I hoped you would miss me a little. You'll go and see mother now and then, won't you? She will feel very lonely."

 

"You may be sure I will. It is a pity you have to go away. A great many will be sorry."

 

"I know someone who won't."

 

"Who is that?"

 

"Tom Davenport."

 

Rose smiled. She had a little idea why Tom would not regret Ben's absence.

 

"Tom could be spared, as well as not," she said.

 

"He is a strong admirer of yours, I believe," said Ben mischievously².

 

"I don't admire him," retorted Rose, with a little toss of her head.

 

Ben heard this with satisfaction, for though he was too young to be a lover, he did have a strong feeling of attraction toward Rose, and would have been sorry to have Tom step into his place.

 

As Ben was preparing to go, Rose said, "Wait a minute, Ben."

 

She left the room and went upstairs, but returned almost immediately, with a small knit purse.

 

"Won't you accept this, Ben?" she said. "I just finished it yesterday. It will remind you of me when you are away."

 

"Thank you, Rose. I shall need nothing to keep you in my remembrance, but I will value it for your sake."

 

"I hope you will be fortunate and fill it very soon, Ben."

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