Aunt Betty carefully read the letter through and turning to Jim, asked, "What are you going to do about it, my boy?"
"That's just what I would like to know," answered Jim. "I always wanted to go to college, and have saved as much as I could, but I can't quite see my way clear to go there yet. I have studied very hard all along and have learned a great deal about electricity. The books Mr. Winters left me have helped me very much, but I am very far behind in some subjects required for entrance to college. My languages are very poor as is my history, and I write a very poor hand."
"Well, Jim," answered Aunt Betty, "I am sure I do not know just what I would have you do in this case. The offer is for work in the--what department is it?"
"The position is in the department of installation as assistant to the superintendent. The company is a very desirable one to be in. I have heard that they are very fair and that one who works well stands good chances," replied Jim.
"I think we had better talk this over with someone before you decide one way or the other," added Aunt Betty. "Maybe Mr. Ludlow could tell us something of it."
"I would have to live in New York," remarked Jim, "and where I do not know."
"I should see that you were well established in your new place before I left New York," Aunt Betty said.
"You are always so good, Aunt Betty," answered Jim. "The salary they have offered me is not very large, but is is twenty-five dollars a week."
"Did Mr. Sterling have anything to do with trying to get you the place, Jim?" asked Aunt Betty.
"Yes and no," responded Jim. "I used a letter from him for reference."
"Well," rejoined Aunt Betty, "I think we had better leave the matter open and not say anything more about it till we talk it over with Mr. Ludlow. Don't say anything to the girls as yet for it will be quite a surprise for them."
By this time the train was nearing New York and Dorothy asked Aunt Betty if they had not better get fixed up. Quickly gathering their things together, they left the train to find Mr. Ludlow waiting for them.
Mr. Ludlow expected to take Aunt Betty and Dorothy right to the Martha Washington, where they could stay till Dorothy was ready to start on her tour, but Jim presented a new problem for the Martha Washington was a hotel for ladies only and no men can stay there. So calling a couple of taxicabs, he hustled Dorothy, Aunt Betty and Alfaretta in one, and taking the other with Jim he ordered the man to drive to the Prince Arthur. They reached their destination very quickly and Mr. Ludlow arranged for rooms for all. Leaving them in the possession, so to speak, of a bell-boy, he departed, saying he would see them early in the morning for a little while to tell Dorothy briefly what she would have to do for the next few days.