By nine o’clock Fred’s task was completed, and Gilbert transferred his attention to Laura. Fifteen minutes were all she required. The evening work being over, Gilbert played at games with his two pupils till ten, then rose to go.
“I’m so glad you’re my teacher,” said Fred. “Be sure to come to-morrow night.”
“I am afraid you will get tired of me after a while, and want to discharge me,” said Gilbert, smiling.
“Will you promise to stay with us till you are discharged?”
“Yes, Fred.”
“Then it’s all right,” said Fred, in a tone of satisfaction.
Mr. Vivian found that he had done a very popular thing in engaging Gilbert, and was, in consequence, pleased himself.
“Well, Gilbert,” said his room-mate, on his return, “how did your first lesson come off?”
“With flattering success. I never earned money more pleasantly in my life. My old teacher would stare if he should learn that I had set myself up as a classical professor.”
“Your fortune has changed wonderfully. From a newsboy to professor is rather a startling transformation.”