"I wish I had just such a house," said Willie. "I mean one of these days."

"Where will you get it?" exclaimed Gerty, much amazed at so bold a declaration.

"Oh, I shall work, and grow rich, and buy it."

"You can't; it would take a lot o' money!"

"I know it; but I can earn a lot, and I will, too. The gentleman that lives in that grand house was a poor boy when he first came to Boston; and why can't one poor boy get rich as well an another?"

"How do you suppose he got so much money?"

"I don't know how he did; there are a great many ways. Some people think it's all luck, but I guess it's as much smartness as anything."

"Are you smart?"

Willie laughed. "An't I?" said he. "If I don't turn out a rich man one of these days, you may say I an't."

"I know what I'd do if I was rich," said Gerty.