Timmins's salary was five hundred dollars a year, and you shall have the same." "Five hundred dollars a year!" ejaculated Bobby, amazed at the vastness of the sum.
"Very well for a boy of thirteen, Bobby." "I was fourteen last Sunday, sir." "I would not give any other boy so much; but you are worth it, and you shall have it." Probably Mr.Bayard's gratitude had something to do with this munificent offer; but he knew that our hero possessed abilities and energy far beyond his years.

He further informed Bobby that he should have a room at his house, and that Ellen was delighted with the arrangement he proposed.
The gloomy, threatening clouds were all rolled back, and floods of sunshine streamed in upon the soul of the little merchant; but in the midst of his rejoicing be remembered that his own integrity had carried him safely through the night of sorrow and doubt.

He had been true to himself, and now, in the hour of his great triumph, he realized that, if he had been faithless to the light within him, his laurel would have been a crown of thorns.
He was happy--very happy.

What made him so?
Not his dawning prosperity; not the favor of Mr.Bayard; not the handsome salary he was to receive; for all these things would have been but dross, if he had sacrificed his integrity, his love of truth and uprightness.

He had been true to himself, and unseen angels had held him up.