The broker¹ smiled, and said with assumed concern: “Are you dissatisfied with your present boarding place?”

“How could I be, sir?” returned Grant, earnestly. “But you told me I could stay with you a week, while I was looking about for a suitable place to board.”

“That is true. Now, however, there is a difficulty about your making a change.”

“What is that, sir?”

“Herbert would not give his consent. The fact is, Grant, Herbert finds so much pleasure in your society, and derives² so much advantage from the increased exercise you lead him to take, that I think you will have to make up your mind to stay.”

Grant's face showed the pleasure he felt.

“I shall be very glad to stay, Mr. Reynolds,” he answered, “if you are willing to have me.”

“I had this in view from the first,” said the broker, “but I wanted to see how you and Herbert got along. I wished to be sure, also, that your influence on him would be good. Of that I can have no doubt, and I am glad to receive you as a member of my family.”

There was one member of the household, however, who was not so well pleased with the proposed arrangement. This was Mrs. Estabrook, the housekeeper³.

As the week drew to a close, she said, one evening after the boys had retired⁴:

“How much longer is the office boy to stay here, Mr. Reynolds?”

“Why do you ask?” inquired the broker.

“Only with reference to domestic arrangements,” answered the housekeeper, disconcerted.

“He will remain for a considerable time, Mrs. Estabrook.”

“I—I thought he was only going to stay a week.”

“He is company for Herbert, and I think it desirable to keep him.”

“Herbert soils his clothes a deal more now than he used to do,” said the housekeeper, discontentedly. “I am sure I don't know where the other boy carries him.”

“Nor I, but I am not afraid to trust him with Grant. As to the clothes, I consider them of very small account, compared with my boy's health.”

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