"I am sorry," she said in an injured tone. "I hope you'll excuse my
mentioning it, but I took the liberty, having been for twenty years in
your employ."

"To be sure! You were quite right," said her employer, kindly. "Perhaps
I may be able to do something for your nephew, though not that. Tell him
to come and see me some time."

"Thank you, sir," said the housekeeper.

There was one question she wanted to determine, and that was the amount
of compensation received by Frank. She did not like to inquire directly
from Mr. Wharton, but resolved to gain the information from our
hero. Some evenings later she had the opportunity. Mr. Wharton had an
engagement, and asked her to tell Frank, when he arrived that he was
released from duty. Instead of this she received him in the library
herself.

"Probably Mr. Wharton will not be at home this evening," she said. "If
he does not return in half an hour, you need not wait."

She took up her work, seated in Mr. Wharton's usual place, and Frank
remained ready for duty.

"Mr. Wharton tells me you have a sister," she said.

"Yes, ma'am."

"You must find it hard work to provide for her as well as yourself."