"Yes, you are a star boarder, and have the nicest room in the
institution. I am only a poor day scholar. Still I feel thankful that I
have been allowed to remain as long as I have. Who is your guardian?"

"A Mr. Benjamin Fielding, of New York."

"Is he a business man?"

"I believe so."

"Do you know how much you will inherit when you come of age?" asked
David, after a short pause.

"I haven't an idea."

"It seems to me your guardian ought to have told you."

"I scarcely know my guardian. Five years ago I spent a week at his home.
I don't remember much about it except that he lives in a handsome house,
and has plenty of servants. Since then, as you know, I have passed most
of my time here, except that in the summer I was allowed to board at the
Catskills or any country place I might select."

"Yes, and I remember one year you took me with you and paid all my
expenses. I shall never forget your kindness, and how much I enjoyed
that summer."

Rodney Ropes smiled, and his smile made his usually grave face look very
attractive.