shes."

"I don't know but you are right, Harold. We must be very discreet, for
Aunt Eliza is worth half a million."

"And how old is she, mother?"

"Seventy-one."

"That's pretty old. She can't live many years."

"I hope she will live to a good old age," said Mrs. Tracy,
hypocritically, "but when she dies, it is only fair that we should
have her money."

CHAPTER XV

A WELCOME GIFT

When Luke and Mrs. Merton were alone, the old lady said, with a smile:
"You seemed to have some difficulty in getting into the house."

"Yes," answered Luke. "I don't think your nephew likes me."

"Probably not. Both he and his mother are afraid someone will come
between me and them. They are selfish, and cannot understand how I can
have any other friends or beneficiaries. You are surprised that I
speak so openly of such near relatives to such a comparative stranger.
However, it is my nature to be outspoken. And now, Luke, if you don't
think it will be tiresome to escort an old woman, I mean to take you
downtown with me."

"I look upon you as a kind friend, Mrs. Merton," responded Luke,
earnestly. "I want to thank you for the handsome present you made me
yesterday. I didn't expect anything like ten dollars."

"You will find it acceptable, however, I don't doubt. Seriously, Luke,
I don't think it's too much to pay for saving my life. Now, if you
will wait here five minutes, I will be ready to go out with you."

Five minutes later Mrs. Merton came into the room attired for the
street. They went downstairs together, and Luke and she got on a
street car.

They were observed by Mrs. Tracy and Harold as they left the house.

"Aunt Eliza's very easily imposed upon," remarked the latter.

"She scarcely knows anything of that boy, and she has taken him out
with her. How does she know but he is a thief?"

"He looks like one," said Harold, in an amiable tone. "If aunt is
robbed, I shan't pity her. She will deserve it."

"Very true; but you must remember that it will be our loss as well as
hers. Her property will rightfully come to us, and if she is robbed we
shall inherit so much the less."

"I have been thinking, Harold, it may be well for you to find out
something of this boy. If you can prove to Aunt Eliza that he is of
bad character, she will send him adrift."

"I'll see about it, mother."

Meanwhile Mrs. Merton and Luke were on their way to the business
portion of the city.

"I think I will stop at Adams Street,