“O Grant, can it really be you!” she exclaimed, as she embraced him.

“I don’t think it is anybody else, mother,” returned Grant, with a smile.

“How you have grown!”

“Yes, mother; I am three inches taller than when I went away.”

“I have good news for you, Grant. Mr. Wilkins has engaged me as housekeeper, with a good salary.”

“How much is he going to pay you?”

“Three dollars a week.”

“You can’t go, mother. I want you for my housekeeper, and will pay you five dollars a week.”

“I wish you could afford to do it, Grant.”

“I can, mother. As near as I can figure it out, I am worth about eight thousand dollars, and expect to be worth a good deal more within a year.”