I could hardly believe my eyes. I rushed to my uncle and showed him the letter.

“Isn’t it splendid?” I cried.

“Not at all,” replied he. “Don’t be too fast, you have not got the place yet.”

“Ah, I know,” said I, “but I’ve a chance at least.”

“You have a chance against a dozen others,” said my uncle, “who most likely have got each of them a letter just like this.”

“Well, but, of course, I must go on Saturday?”

“You still mean to try?” said my uncle.

“Why yes,” said I resolutely. “I do.”

“Then you had better go to town on Saturday.”

“Won’t you go with me?” I inquired nervously.