PAYING THE RENT. 169

said Mr. Starr, “ when I come to see you; and
Tom, will you take me to Bessie’s Island ?”

“Yes, sir, I will, any time you choose to
go. This afternoon, at four o’clock.”

“Thank you. Howard will show me the
way. Good morning.”

Mr. Starr went to his own room and arranged
the flowers in two small vases, which stood
upon his mantle-shelf, and was happier all day
for the kindness he had shown to little Bessie.

In the afternoon, as soon as lessons were
over, the young tutor started with Howard for
the Island. Tom was already there, waiting
for them.

“We can all go together. I can row with
one oar, and you with the other,” said Mr.
Starr, seating himself on the bottom of the
boat. He shouted, and laughed, and sang with
the boys, as though he were a boy himself, and
for that time, felt like a boy.

He was surprised at Tom’s ingenuity, and
still more at the progress the poor boy had
made, all by himself.

“T should not be surprised, my brave fellow,”
said he, “if you should one day make as famous