and that I
am a very obstinate old woman, and am more likely to take my own way
if opposed."

"That's right, aunt! You are entitled to have your own way, and I for
one am the last to wish to interfere with you."

"You will not fare any the worse for that! And now, Warner, tell me
what are your chances of employment?"

"I wished to speak to you about that, aunt. There is a gentleman in
Milwaukee who has a branch office in Chicago, and I understand that he
wants someone to represent him here. His present agent is about to
resign his position, and I think I have some chance of obtaining the
place. It will be necessary for me, however, to go to Milwaukee to see
him in person."

"Go, then, by all means," said Mrs. Merton. "I will defray your
expenses."

"Thank you very much, aunt. You know that I have little money of my
own. But there is another thing indispensable, and that I am afraid
you would not be willing to do for me."

"What is it, Warner?"

"I shall have charge of considerable money belonging to my employer,
and I learn from the present agent that I shall have to get someone to
give bonds for me in the sum of ten thousand dollars."

"Very well! I am willing to stand your security."

Warner looked surprised and gratified.

"Knowing how dishonestly I have acted in the past?" he said.

"The past is past. You are a different man, I hope and believe."

"Aunt Eliza, you shall never regret the generous confidence you are
willing to repose in me. It is likely to open for me a new career, and
to make a new man of me."

"That is my desire, Warner. Let me add that I am only following your
own example. You have refused to believe evil of Luke, unlike your
sister, and have not been troubled by the kindness I have shown him.
This is something I remember to your credit."

"Thank you, aunt. If you have been able to discover anything
creditable in me, I am all the more pleased."

"How much will this position pay you, supposing you get it?"

"Two thousand dollars a year. To me that will be a competence. I shall
be able to save one-half, for I have given up my former expensive
tastes, and am eager to settle down to a steady and methodical
business life."

"When do you want to go to Milwaukee, Warner?"

"I should like to go at once."

"Here is some money to defray your expenses."

Mrs. Merton opened her table drawer, and took out a roll of bills
amounting to fifty dollars.

"I wish you good luck!" she said.