"Even a little would help along," was Hal's reply, his heart beating with a strange rapidity.
"There can't be any appropriation made for it, you see, as there will be no election till spring. But four hundred dollars have been subscribed, and the committee had a fancy that they might get a lady for that."
"I'd take it," said Hal. Four hundred dollars looked like quite a fortune to him.
"It may get up to four hundred and fifty, though I would not like to promise. It is a small sum."
"But there's always Saturday to yourself, and nights and mornings," was Hal's hopeful reply.
"Well, I will propose you, then. I shall be on the examining committee."
"How kind you are!" and Hal's smile was most grateful.
Still Hal was in so much doubt about his good fortune that he didn't say a word to Granny until the examination was over and he was sure of the appointment.
"It's just royal, isn't it?" and his eyes danced with delight. "I was wondering what we should do this winter, when there would be no gardening, unless I went to work in one of the mills."
"And you'd like this better? O Hal! it does seem as if the good God was watching over us, and always sent something along in the right time."