When she had heard the note she nodded her head thoughtfully. "I think
the grandfather may well congratulate himself that the grandson has
fallen into your hands, Calvin," said she. "The work you give him may
not be to him the interesting task it would be to some men, but it will
undoubtedly do him good to be harnessed to any labour which means a bit
of drudgery. By all means do as Mr. Kendrick bids you--'work him hard.'"
She smiled. "I wonder what the boy would think of Louis's work."

"He would take to his heels, probably, if it were offered him. It's
plain that Matthew's pleased enough at having him tackle a gentleman's
task like this, and hopes to make it a stepping-stone to something more
muscular. I shall do my best by Richard, as he asks. You note that he
wants the young man to meet us all. Are you willing to invite him to
dinner some time--perhaps next week--as a special favour to me?"

"Certainly, Calvin, if you consider young Mr. Kendrick in every way fit
to know our young people."

Her fine eyes met his penetratingly, and he smiled in his turn. "That's
like you, Eleanor," said he, "to think first of the boy's character and
last of his wealth."

"A fig for his wealth!" she retorted with spirit. "I have two
daughters."

"I have made inquiries," said he with dignity, "of Louis, who knows
young Kendrick as one young man knows another, which is to the full. He
considers him to be more or less of an idler, and as much of a
spendthrift as a fellow in possession of a large income is likely to be
in spite of the cautions of a prudent grandfather. He has a passion for