“I see, Mr. Tripp,” said Mrs. Rand, smiling, “that you think Chester is out of a position.”

“So he is. Wasn’t he discharged? I know from what Mr. Mullins said he won’t take him back.”

“Chester would not be willing to go back. He has a new and better place.”

“You don’t say!” ejaculated Mr. Tripp, surprised and, it must be confessed, disappointed. “What sort of a place is it?”

“He is working for a New York paper or magazine.”

“Sho! Does he get as much pay as he did at the other place?”

“Considerably more,” Mrs. Rand answered, with satisfaction.

“More’n five dollars a week?”

“Yes; he offers to send me five dollars a week, but I can get along without assistance, since Miss Dolby pays me so liberally.”

“Well, I am surprised. Chester is very lucky. Mebbe it won’t last,” he continued, hopefully.