"No, sir. I left her in the country. I am here alone."

"I will ask you more about yourself after dinner. If you have no
engagement, I should like to have you stay with me a part of the
evening."

"Thank you, sir."

Frank accepted the invitation, though he knew Jasper would wonder what
had become of him. He saw that the old gentleman was kindly disposed
toward him, and in his present circumstances he needed such a friend.

But in proportion as Mr. Wharton became more cordial, Mrs. Bradley
became more frosty, until at last the old gentleman noticed her manner.

"Don't you feel well this evening, Mrs Bradley?" he asked.

"I have a little headache," said the housekeeper, coldly.

"You had better do something for it."

"It will pass away of itself, sir."

They arose from the dinner table, and Mr. Wharton, followed by Frank,
ascended the staircase to the front room on the second floor, which was
handsomely fitted up as a library.

"What makes him take such notice of a mere cash-boy?" said Mrs. Bradley
to herself. "That boy reminds me of somebody. Who is it?"