A SURPRISE. 217

During his absence of two years, he wished
Howard to remain with the architect. Through
his banker in New York, Mr: Cramer would
remit money for his expenses. There was a
regret expressed that the family could not see
him at Rose Lawn ; and advice tendered that
Howard should not leave Philadelphia for a
visit to the country.

Glad was Howard that he did not receive
the letter till it was too late to take the advice,
for he passed some charming days at the cot-
tage and on Bessie’s Island. He then returned
to Philadelphia, to prosecute his studies under
the master architect, with his usual ardor and
industry.

The new owner at the mills, Mr. Monroe, be-
came acquainted with Tom Mixon, and hap-
pening to want a clerk to keep the books of
the mills, offered the situation to him. Tom
accepted it on condition that he should be
allowed time to pursue his studies and experi-
ments in chemistry at his laboratory on Bessie’s
Island. This was granted; and Tom, with a
salary of four hundred dollars a year, and