“Well, laddie, has the last year been any better than the one before it?”
“Ever so much.” Fred spoke with an air of happy conviction.
“Do you know why?” she went on.
“Of course I do,” said Fred, as he reached up and took her hand. “It’s because you’ve done so much for me.”
“No, Fred; that is a very small part of it. The change is all in your own little self. It is because you have tried so hard to make something of your life, even if you can’t see; and I hope another year will be a still happier one for you, happier and better.”
Fred shook his head.
“Not happier, if I have to leave you, for my year here is almost over. I wish it would last forever. But, Miss Bessie, it really isn’t near so bad as I used to think it was. You and the boys are all so good to me, and you have taught me to do so many things, that if I could only stay with you always, I shouldn’t much mind the rest.”
“That is my hero,” said Bess tenderly. “But, Fred, this makes it very easy to tell you
