!" thought Jack, as he left the house.

CHAPTER XIX

A SENSATIONAL INCIDENT

When Luke brought home the dress pattern his mother was much pleased.

"I have needed a dress for a good while," she said, "but I never felt
that I could spare the money to buy even a common one. This material
is very nice."

"It cost seventy-five cents a yard. I was with Mrs. Merton when she
bought it."

"I hope you didn't hint to Mrs. Merton that I needed one."

"No, that isn't like me, mother, but I own that I was very glad when
she thought of it."

"Please tell her how grateful I am."

"I will certainly do so. Now, mother, I want you to have it made up at
once. I can spare the money necessary."

"It will cost very little. I will have it cut by a dress maker and
make it up myself. I hope you will long retain the friendship of Mrs.
Merton."

"It won't by my fault if I don't. But I can't help seeing that her
niece, Mrs. Tracy, and Harold, a boy about my age, look upon me with
dislike."

"Why should they? I don't see how anyone can dislike you."

"You are my mother and are prejudiced in my favor. But I am sure they
have no reason to dislike me. I think, however, they are jealous, and
fear the old lady will look upon me with too much favor. She is very
rich, I hear, and they expect to inherit all her fortune."

"Money makes people mean and unjust."

"If I can only get hold of some, I'll run the risk of that," said
Luke. "I should feel a good deal more comfortable if I hadn't two
enemies in the house."

"Do your duty, my son, and leave the rest to God. It isn't well to
borrow trouble."

"No doubt you are right, mother. I will follow your advice."

The next morning Luke was at his usual stand near the Sherman House
when a boy who was passing uttered a slight exclamation of surprise.
Looking up, Luke recognized Harold Tracy.

"So it's you, is it?" said Harold, not over politely.

"Yes," answered Luke. "I hope you are well."

"I didn't know you were a newsboy."

"I spend a part of my time in selling papers."

"Does Mrs. Merton know you are a newsboy?"

"I think I have told her, but I am not certain."

"It must be inconvenient for you to come so far as our house every
day?"

"Of course it takes up some time, but Mrs. Merton does not allow me to
work for nothing."

"How much does Aunt Eliza pay you?"

"I would rather you would ask Mrs. Merton. I am not sure that she
would care to have me tell."

"You seem