``Uncle,'' said John Wade, ``you spoke of invitingFrank Fowler to occupy a room in the house. Whydon't you do it? It would be more convenient toyou and a very good chance for him.''

　　``I should like it,'' said Mr. Wharton, ``but Mrs.

　　Bradley did not seem to regard it favorably whenI suggested it.''

　　``Oh, Mrs. Bradley is unused to boys, and she isafraid he would give her trouble. I'll undertake tobring her around.''

　　``I wish you would, John. I don't think Frankwould give any trouble, and it would enliven thehouse to have a boy here. Besides, he reminds me ofGeorge, as I told you the other day.''

　　``I agree with you, uncle,'' he said. ``He doesremind me a little of George.''

　　``Well, Mrs. Bradley, what do you think I havedone?'' asked John, entering the housekeeper's roomdirectly after his interview with his uncle.

　　``I don't know, Mr. John,'' she answered.

　　``I have asked him to give that boy a room in thehouse.''

　　``Are you carried away with him as well as youruncle?''

　　``Not quite. The fact is, I have a motive in whatI am doing. I'll tell you.''

　　He bent over and whispered in her ear.

　　``I never should have thought of that.''

　　``You see, our purpose is to convince my unclethat he is unworthy of his favor. At present thatwould be rather difficult, but once get him into thehouse and we shall have no trouble.''

　　``I understand.''

　　In due time John Wade announced to his unclethat the housekeeper had withdrawn her objectionsto his plan.

　　``Then I'll tell him to-night,'' said Mr. Wharton,brightening up.

　　Shortly after Frank entered the library thatevening Mr. Wharton made the proposal.

　　``You are very kind, Mr. Wharton,'' he said. ``Inever thought of such a thing.''

　　``Then it is settled that you are to come. Youcan choose your own time for coming.''

　　``I will come to-morrow, sir.''

　　``Very well,'' said Mr. Wharton, with satisfaction.

　　The next day, by special favor, Frank got off fromthe store two hours earlier than usual. He boughtat a Sixth Avenue basement store, a small, secondhand trunk for two dollars. He packed his scantywardrobe into the trunk, which, small as it was hewas unable to fill, and had it carried to Mr. Wharton'shou............