I think you have some chance there most decidedly--I would advise you to take those sketches of yours and apply at once." Charlie ran upstairs, and selecting the best-executed of his drawings, put them in a neat portfolio, and, without saying anything to Esther or his mother, hastened away to Mr.Blatchford's.

He was shown into a room where a gentleman was sitting at a table examining some engraved plates.

"Is this Mr.Blatchford's ?" asked Charlie.
"That is my name, my little man--do you want to see me," he kindly inquired.
"Yes, sir.

You advertised for a boy to learn the engraving business, I believe." "Well; and what then ?" "I have come to apply for the situation." "_You--you_ apply ?" said he, in a tone of surprise.
"Yes, sir," faltered Charlie; "Mr.Walters recommended me to do so." "Ah, you know Mr.Walters, then," he rejoined.
"Yes, sir; he is a great friend of my father's--we are living with him at present." "What have you in your portfolio, there ?" enquired Mr.Blatchford.

Charlie spread before him the sketches he had made during the summer, and also some ornamental designs suitable for the title-pages of books.