"Yes, Grace. There is no use in stopping here any longer."

As he spoke he heard the outer door open, and a minute later Deacon
Pinkerton entered the room.

None of the deacon's pompousness was abated as he entered the house and
the room.

"Will you take a seat?" said our hero, with the air of master of the
house.

"I intended to," said the deacon, not acknowledging his claim. "So your
poor mother is gone?"

"Yes, sir," said Frank, briefly.

"We must all die," said the deacon, feeling that it was incumbent on him
to say something religious. "Ahem! your mother died poor? She left no
property?"

"It was not her fault."

"Of course not. Did she mention that I had advanced her money on the
furniture?"

"My mother told me all about it, sir."

"Ahem! You are in a sad condition. But you will be taken care of. You
ought to be thankful that there is a home provided for those who have no
means."