a mercenary one.

But the housekeeper, sharp-sighted as she ordinarily was, did not detect
the secret motive of such attention she received from her nephew. She
flattered herself that he really loved her, not suspecting that he was
too selfish to love anybody but himself.

"Thomas," she said, with a sudden thought, "I may be able to help you
to an increase of your income. Mr. Wharton needs somebody to read to him
evenings. On my recommendation he might take you."

"Thank you, aunt, but I don't see it. I don't want to be worked to
death."

"But, think, Thomas," said his aunt, earnestly. "He is very rich. He
might take a fancy to you and remember you in his will."

"I wish somebody would remember me in his will. Do you really think
there's any chance of the old boy's doing something handsome for me?"

"That depends on yourself. You must try to please him."

"Well, I must do something. What'll he give?"

"I don't know yet. In fact, there's another reading to him just now."

"Then there's no chance for me."

"Listen to me. It's a boy he's picked up in the streets, quite unsuited
for the place. He's a cash-boy at Gilbert & Mack's. Why, that's where