"Oh, no, sir; I intended to get out at the next street."

"My dinner is just ready. Won't you stop and dine with me?"

"Thank you, sir," he said, hesitatingly, "but I promised to carry this
bundle. I believe it is wanted at once."

"So you shall. You say the house is in the next street. You can go and
return in five minutes. You have done me a service, and I may have it in
my power to do something for you in return."

"Perhaps," thought Frank, "he can help me to some employment for my
evenings." Then, aloud:

"Thank you, sir; I will come."

Five minutes later Frank was ushered into a handsome dining-room. The
dinner was already on the table, but chairs were only set for three.
The one at the head of the table was of course occupied by the old
gentleman, the one opposite by Mrs. Bradley, his housekeeper, and one at
the side was placed for Frank.

"Mrs. Bradley," said the old gentleman, "this is a young gentleman who
was kind enough to help me home after the accident of which I just spoke
to you. I would mention his name, but I must leave that to him."

"Frank Fowler, sir."

"And my name is Wharton. Now that we are all introduced, we can talk
more freely."