"Good morning, Benny," was Mr Lawrence's greeting; "and have you settled the matter?"
"Yes, sir, I will accept your offer."
"That's right; I am glad to hear it. And now, when can you be ready?"
"In a week, sir."
"That will do; and in the meantime I will secure lodgings for you, and make things as straight and pleasant against your arrival as I possibly can."
"Thank you very much."
"Don't name it; but I will send you word when I have secured a comfortable home for you, so that if you like to send on your luggage beforehand, you may do so."
The next few days Benny was busy getting his things together, previous to his departure from Scout Farm. Little Winnie followed him everywhere, and wanted him to promise her that he would not "do away." He did not think until he began to pack his things that the parting would cost him so much, nor did he know till then how closely the little prattling Winnie had twined herself around his heart.
"Benny does not 'ove his 'ittle Winnie, to do away," the child repeated over and over again, with choking voice and brimming eyes.
"Benny's pet," he would say, taking her up in his arms and kissing away her tears; "he loves you more than he can tell."