fitted to shine in society. Her social
sphere may have been limited by circumstances; but had her lot
been cast in the shining circles of fashion, her natural grace and
refinement would have enabled her to embellish any position to
which she might have been called."

The contrast between the old lady's appearance and the words of
Prof. Crane was so ludicrous that Ben and several others with
difficulty, kept their countenances. But the old lady listened with
great complacency.

"I wish my granddarter would hear you," she said. "She's a pert
little thing, that thinks she knows more than her grandmother. I've
often told my darter she ought to be more strict with her; but it
don't do no good."

"It's the way with the young, madam. They cannot appreciate
the sterling qualities of their elders."

When the examination was concluded, the old lady expressed
her faith in phrenology.

"I never did believe in't before," she admitted, "but the man described
me just as if he know'd me all my life. Railly, it's wonderful."

Prof. Crane got his money, and with it the favor of the old lady
to whom he had given such a first-class character. Her only
regret was that her friends at home could not have heard him.

About one o'clock in the afternoon the long journey was at an
end, and Ben and his young charge descended from the train
in the South Terminal, in Boston.

Chapter XVI

Ben's Loss

It has already been mentioned that there was a train to Milltown
at half-past ten in the morning. Of course Ben was too late for
this. He ascertained, however, that there was another train at
five o'clock, and this he resolved to take.

"Where are we going, Ben?" asked Emma, as they stepped out
of the station.

"Don't you feel hungry, Emma?"

"Yes."

"Then we will go and have some dinner, first of all."

This proposal was satisfactory to the little girl, who took Ben's
hand and walked up toward Washington Street with him.

On School Street they found an eating-house which did not
appear too high in price, and Ben led Emma in.

They seated themselves at a table, and ordered dinner. Just
opposite sat a pleasant-looking man, of middle age. He was
fond of children, and his attention was drawn to little Emma.

"Is that your sister?" he inquired of Ben.

"No, sir," answered Ben.

"No relation?"

"No, sir; she is from New York. She is going to board with my
aunt."

"Does your aunt live in Boston?"

"No, s