I'm afraid," he continued, "that I have been rather unmindful, and that I might have been of some use to you as well as myself if I had stayed at home instead of spending the last two years in Europe." "I trust," said his father, "that they have not been entirely without profit." "No," said John, "perhaps not wholly, but their cash value would not be large, I'm afraid." "All value is not to be measured in dollars and cents," remarked Mr.
Lenox.

"If I could have acquired as much German and French as I presume you have, to say nothing of other things, I should look back upon the time as well spent at almost any cost.

At your age a year or two more or less--you don't realize it now, but you will if you come to my age--doesn't count for so very much, and you are not too old," he smiled, "to begin at a beginning." "I want to begin," said John.
"Yes," said his father, "I want to have you, and I have had the matter a good deal in my mind.

Have you any idea as to what you wish to do ?" "I thought," said John, "that the most obvious thing would be to go into your office." Mr.Lenox reached over for the cigar-lamp.

His cigar had gone out, and his hand shook as he applied the flame to it.