“I am sure you will both be kind to me,” said Walter earnestly, “and I shall appreciate it the more because I have neither father nor mother.”
One afternoon Colonel Owen came in radiant.
“Well, Walter,” he said, “I've got some work for you to do.”
“Mr. Hayward, the teacher of our classical school, is summoned to his home. The question is, Who shall take his place till the end of the school year?
“I have mentioned your name to the trustees, who are ready to accept you on my recommendation.”
“There is nothing I should like better,” he said, “but do you think I am competent?”
“You ought to be able to teach any of the classes that will come under your charge. How are you in mathematics?”
“I don't think I shall have any difficulty there, sir.”
“Then you're better off than I am.”
“How much salary shall I receive?” asked Walter, who was beginning to grow interested.