"Dear Aunt Lucy," said Paul, kissing her, "you are my only friend on
earth. You have been very kind to me, and I never will forget you,
NEVER! By-and-by, when I am rich, I will build a fine house, and you
will come and live with me, won't you?"

Paul's bright anticipations, improbable as they were, had the effect of
turning his companion's thoughts into a more cheerful channel.

She bent down and kissed him, whispering softly, "Yes, I will, Paul."

"Then it's a bargain," said he, joyously, "Mind you don't forget it. I
shall come for you one of these days when you least expect it."

"Have you any money?" inquired Aunt Lucy.

Paul shook his head.

"Then," said she, drawing from her finger a gold ring which had held
its place for many long years, "here is something which will bring you a
little money if you are ever in distress."

Paul hung back.

"I would rather not take it, indeed I would," he said, earnestly,
"I would rather go hungry for two or three days than sell your ring.
Besides, I shall not need it; God will provide for me."

"But you need not sell it," urged Aunt Lucy, "unless it is absolutely
necessary. You can take it and keep it in remembrance of me. Keep it
till you see me again, Paul. It will be a pledge to me that you will