"Not that I can see. Poor boy, he finds the time pass very heavily."
"I've brought him some books that will while away the hours."
"How kind you are! He will be beside himself with joy."
She led the way into a small room, with a faded carpet on the floor. A young boy with a merry look on his pale face lay on a lounge. He lifted his eyes, and they brightened as they met the gaze of the visitor.
"Oh, Mr. Marden, I'm so glad to see you!" he exclaimed.
"And I am glad to see you, Jimmy--a Happy New Year to you!"
"Thank you, Jimmy. Now, what do you think I have got in this big bundle?"
"Yes, Jimmy, you have guessed right. Six new books, and all for you."
"All for me. Oh, how kind you are! Do open them quick."
Smiling at the boy's impatience, Philip cut the string with his penknife, and displayed six handsomely bound volumes, over which Jimmy was soon poring with delight.
"Oh, so much. There was nothing which I should have liked as well. What a good man you are, Mr. Marden. I don't deserve it."
"I like to make people happy, Jimmy, that is all."
"And you have made me very happy, sir," said the boy, his face lighting up with gratitude. "My life has been so dull sometimes."
"Let us hope it will be brighter in future."
"I think it will, Mr. Marden, thanks to you."
Philip called at three other places, where he dispensed timely and welcome gifts. We need not follow him. It is enough to say that each visit carried sunshine with it and left happiness behind it. When the last call had been made he found that he had expended just fifty dollars, but he felt richer without it.
The next morning the two young men met at their place of business, for both were employed in the same mercantile establishment. Tom Chester was heavy-eyed, and looked as if he had been up all night. Philip's eye was bright, and his nerves were as steady as usual.
"Did you have a good time, Tom?" asked Philip.
"Capital! I made all my calls, and had a jolly supper--to top off with. Didn't get into bed till four this morning. I feel rather seedy to-day, that's a fact. But New Year's Day only comes once a year."
"Fifty dollars. I suppose you, like a prudent boy, saved your money?"
"There you are mistaken. I spent fifty dollars, also."