time?"
she remarked; and at first Fred thought she was about to say she had no
use for anyone who would keep company with Bristles, but she did not,
much to his relief.

"Yes, ma'am, I remember being in here with Bris--er--Andy Carpenter,
once," Fred remarked. "And you were kind enough to show me a lot of
mighty interesting things, too, Miss Muster. What can I do for you this
morning, ma'am?"

The sharp face softened a little, and the faintest shadow of a smile
crept over the old maid's features.

"Let me see, what's your name?" she asked.

"Fred Fenton, ma'am. We have not been in Riverport much more than a
year. I think my mother said she met you a while ago, down in the
grocery, and had a nice talk with you."

"I remember, and a fine little lady Mrs. Fenton is, to be sure. If she
is your mother, boy, you've good cause to be satisfied. And I wouldn't
say that about many women, either. But I was just wanting a little
assistance, and called to the first person who happened to be passing
along the street. My old servant is laid up to-day with an attack of
lumbago; and the gardener is off on an errand that will take him two
hours. Could you give me a few minutes of your time, Fred?"

"Why, yes, ma'am, sure I can. I was only going over to look up a chum,
and talk about the chances we have in a boat race that is going to come
off soon. What do you want me to do, Miss Muster?"

She looked at him again, with that suspicious gleam in her eyes.
Somehow, Fred could not help feeling a little indignant. Because she
chose to think the worst of her poor innocent nephew was no reason why
Miss Muster should believe ill of every fellow.

He was almost tempted to say what he thought, and free his mind.
Perhaps, then, she might understand that even a boy has feelings, and
can suffer mentally, as well as bodily.

But on second thought Fred wisely kept his peace. There might be a
better way to teach the old maid a needed lesson than by sharp talk,
which would only serve to make her feel more bitter toward "upstart
boys" in general.

Evidently Miss Muster must have gained a favorable impression from her
survey of the lad, whom she had called inside.

"I guess after all there _is_ a difference in boys," she muttered, much
to the secret amusement of Fred, who could easily imagine that she was
comparing him with poor Bristles, and evidently much to the
disadvantage of the latter.

He waited for her to speak, and wondered whether