said Mrs. Merton.

The story was related briefly.

"I should like to meet that woman," said Mrs. Merton, nodding
energetically. "I'd give her a piece of my mind. Luke, you may hand me
ten dollars."

The goods were wrapped up and the change returned.

"Where shall I send the bundle, Mrs. Merton?" asked the salesman,
deferentially.

"Luke will take it."

As they left the store Mrs. Merton said: "Did you think I was buying
this dress for myself, Luke?"

"I thought so," Luke answered.

"No, I have dresses enough to last me a lifetime, I may almost say.
This dress pattern is for your mother."

"For my mother?" repeated Luke, joyfully.

"Yes; I hope it will be welcome."

"Indeed it will. Mother hasn't had a new dress for over a year."

"Then I guessed right. Give it to her with my compliments, and tell
her I give it to her for your sake. Now, I believe I will go home."

No present made to Luke could have given him so much pleasure as this
gift to his mother, for he knew how much she stood in need of it.

When they reached the house on Prairie Avenue, they met Mrs. Tracy on
the steps. She had been out for a short call.

"Did you have a pleasant morning, Aunt Eliza?" she asked, quite
ignoring Luke.

"Yes, quite so. Luke, I won't trouble you to come in. I shall not need
you to-morrow. The next day you may call at the same hour."

Luke turned away, but was called back sharply by Mrs. Tracy.

"Boy!" she said, "you are taking away my aunt's bundle. Bring it back
directly."

"Louisa," said the old lady, "don't trouble yourself. That bundle is
meant for Luke's mother."

"Something you bought for her?"

"Yes, a dress pattern."

"Oh!" sniffed Mrs. Tracy, eying Luke with strong disapproval.

CHAPTER XVI

THOMAS BROWNING AT HOME

In one of the handsomest streets in Milwaukee stood a private
residence which was quite in harmony with its surroundings. It looked
like the home of a man of ample means. It was luxuriously furnished,
and at one side was a conservatory. It was apt to attract the
attention of strangers, and the question was asked: "Who lives
there?"

And the answer would be: "Thomas Browning. He will probably be mayor
some day."

Yes, this was the residence of Thomas Browning, formerly Thomas
Butler, the man to whom the dead father of Luke Walton had intrusted
the sum of ten thousand dollars to carry to his wife and children. How
he fulfilled his trust, or, rather, did not fulfill it, w