ss-examined Clarence, who did not know his father's desire to
keep us apart."

"Is the estate a large one?"

"Quarter of a million, at least."

Ernest's eyes opened wide with amazement.

"But I will introduce you to Mr. Norcross, my principal, and we will
talk over our plan of operations. You must assert your rights, and
demand that your grandfather's will be carried out. Are you content to
place yourself in our hands?"

"Entirely so. But I am sorry for Cousin Stephen. It will be a great
blow to him."

"Don't waste any pity upon him. He defrauded your father, and meant to
defraud you."

CHAPTER XXXVI.

AN IMPORTANT INTERVIEW.

"A gentleman to see you, sir." This was the message brought to Stephen
Ray by the servant one morning.

"Did he give his name?"

"No, sir."

"Very well; bring him up."

Mr. Ray was sitting at the desk in his library. He was looking over
some plans for the improvement of his already handsome residence.

He proposed to enlarge a lower room by a bay-window, and to carry the
piazza round on each side. It would cost something, but his income was
ample--at least four times his expenditure.

He looked up as a handsomely dressed gentleman entered the room.

"What is your business, sir?" asked Stephen Ray, formally.

The visitor smiled.

"You don't recognize me, Stephen Ray?" he said.

"Benjamin Bolton!" exclaimed the other, his countenance changing.

"The same."

"I judge from your appearance that your circumstances have improved,"
said Mr. Ray, coldly.

"Fortunately, yes."

"You have probably come to receive my congratulations. Well, I
congratulate you."

"Thank you. The money you kindly loaned me when I was last here did me
a great deal of good."

"I presume you have come to repay it," said Ray, with a sneer.

"You are right," and Bolton drew from his pocket two fifty-dollar
bills, which he tendered to his host.

Stephen Ray was fond of money, and he received the notes with
satisfaction.

"You have acted honorably," he said more graciously. "Are you located
in the neighborhood, Mr. Bolton?"

"No, in New York City. I am in a law office there."

"I am pleased with your success. I would ask you to remain, but I am
busy this morning."

"Excuse me, Mr. Ray, but the repayment of the loan was not my only
errand. I am here on more important business."

Stephen Ray's countenance changed. He began to fear that Bolton had
found Ernest.

"Well?" he said stiffly.