lton."

"What's his character?"

"Sly--artful. He is scheming to have aunt leave him Something in her
will."

"If she leaves him a few hundred dollars it won't hurt us much."

"You don't know the boy. He won't be satisfied with that."

"You don't mean to say that his influence over aunt is dangerous?"

"Yes, I do."

"Can't you get her to bounce him?"

"I have done what I could, but she seems to be infatuated. If he were
a gentleman's son I shouldn't mind so much, but Harold saw him the
other day selling papers near the Sherman House."

"Do you think aunt's mind is failing?"

"She seems rational enough on all other subjects. She was always
shrewd and sharp, you know."

"Well, that's rather an interesting state of things. I haven't
returned to Chicago any too soon."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because it will be my duty to spoil the chances of this presuming
young man."

"That is easier said than done. You forget that Aunt Eliza thinks a
great deal more of him than she does of you."

"I haven't a doubt that you are right."

"Then what can you do?"

"Convince her that he is a scapegrace. Get him into a scrape, in other
words."

"But he is too smart to be dishonest, if that is what you mean."

"It is not necessary for him to be dishonest. It is only necessary for
her to think he is dishonest."

There was some further conversation. As Warner Powell was leaving the
house, after promising to call in the evening, he met on the steps
Mrs. Merton, under the escort of Luke Walton.

The old lady eyed him sharply.

CHAPTER XXVI

THE PRODIGAL'S RECEPTION

"Don't you know me, Aunt Eliza?" asked Warner Powell casting down his
eyes under the sharp glance of the old lady.

"So it is you, is it?" responded Mrs. Merton, in a tone which could
not be considered cordial.

"Yes, it is I. I hope you are not sorry to see me?"

"Humph! It depends on whether you have improved or not."

Luke Walton listened with natural interest and curiosity. This did not
suit Mrs. Tracy, who did not care to have a stranger made acquainted
with her brother's peccadilloes.

"Warner," she said, "I think Aunt Eliza will do you the justice to
listen to your explanation. I imagine, young man, Mrs. Merton will not
require your services any longer to-day."

The last words were addressed to Luke.

"Yes, Luke; you can go," said the old lady, in a very different tone.

Luke bowed and left the house.

"Louisa," said Mrs. Mert