Tom's mother was a hard-working woman, and had taken in washing for years. But for her the family would often have lacked for food. His father was a lazy, intemperate man, who had no pride of manhood, and cared only for himself. In this respect Tom was like him, though the son had not as yet become intemperate. "I don't think there is any chance of my giving up the place," answered Grant. "If I do, I will mention your name." "That's a good fellow." Grant did not volunteer to recommend Tom, for he could not have done so with a clear conscience. This omission, however, Tom did not notice. "Well, Tom, I must be going. Good-by, and good luck." Grant went home with a cheerful face, and announced his good luck to his mother. "I am glad you are going to your employer's house," she said. "I wish you could remain there permanently." "So do I, mother; but I hope at any rate to get a comfortable boarding place. Tom Calder wants to room with me." "I hope you won't think of it," said Mrs. Thornton, alarmed. "Not for a moment. I wish Tom well, but I shouldn't like to be too intimate with him. And now, mother, I think I ought to write to Uncle Godfrey, and tell him what I have decided upon." "That will be proper, Grant." Grant wrote the following letter, and mailed it at once: "DEAR UNCLE GODFREY: I am afraid you won't like what I have to tell you, but I think it is my duty to the family to give up the college course you so kindly offered me, in view of father's small salary and narrow means. I have been offered a place in the office of a stock broker in New York, and have accepted it. I enter upon my duties next Monday morning. I hope to come near paying my own way, and before very long to help father. I know you will be disappointed, Uncle Godfrey, and I hope you won't think I don't appreciate your kind offer, but I think it would be selfish in me to accept it. Please do forgive me, and believe me to be Your affectionate nephew, GRANT THORNTON." In twenty-four hours an answer came to this letter. It ran thus: