e you left out in the cold. I will do what I
can to reconcile her to you."

"Come, that's fair and square. You're a trump, Louisa. You have not
forgotten that I am your brother."

"No, I am not so selfish as you think. If I don't succeed in restoring
you to Aunt Eliza's good graces, and she chooses to leave me all her
property, I promise to take care of you and allow you a fair income."

"That's all right, but I would rather the old lady would provide for
me herself."

"Do you doubt my word?"

"No, but your idea of what would be a fair income might differ from
mine. How much do you think the old lady's worth?"

"Quarter of a million, I should think," replied Mrs. Tracy,
guardedly.

"Yes, and considerably more, too."

"Perhaps so. I have no means of judging."

"Supposing it to be the figure you name, how much would you be willing
to give me, if she leaves me out in the cold?"

"I am not prepared to say, Warner. I would see that you had no good
reason to complain."

"I should prefer to have you name a figure, so that I might know what
to depend upon."

But this Mrs. Tracy declined to do, though her brother continued to
urge her.

"Where have you been for a few years past, Warner?" she asked.

"Floating about. At first I didn't dare to come back. It was a year at
least before I heard that aunt had paid up the sum I got away with.
When I did hear it I was in Australia."

"What did you do there?"

"I was a bookkeeper in Melbourne for a time. Then I went into the
country. From Australia I came to California, and went to the mines.
In fact, I have only just come from there."

"Didn't you manage to make money anywhere?"

"Yes, but it didn't stick by me. How much money do you think I have
about me now?"

"I can't guess," said Mrs. Tracy, uneasily.

"Five dollars and a few cents. However, I am sure you will help me,"
he continued.

"Really, Warner, you mustn't hope for too much from me. I have but a
small allowance from Aunt Eliza--hardly enough to buy necessary
articles for Harold and myself."

"Then you can speak to aunt in my behalf."

"Yes, I can do that."

"Where is she?"

"She has gone out shopping this morning."

"Alone, or is Harold with her?"

"Neither," answered Mrs. Tracy, her brow darkening. "She has picked up
a boy from the street, and installed him as a first favorite."

"That's queer, isn't it?"

"Yes; but Aunt Eliza was always queer."

"What's the boy's name?"

"Luke Wa