Oliver naturally felt curious.
"I want to tell you why I have brought you to New York to-day. You probably thought it was merely for a pleasant excursion."
"Yes, sir."
"I have another object in view. Noticing as I have the dislike—well, the incompatibility between you and Roland, I have thought it best to make separate arrangements for you."
Now Oliver was strangely interested. What plan had Mr. Kenyon formed for him?
"I intend you to remain in the city. How does that suit you?"
There are not many boys of Oliver's age to whom such a prospect would not be pleasing. He answered promptly:
"I should like it very much."
"No doubt Roland will envy you," said Mr. Kenyon. "I am sure he would prefer the city to our quiet little country village. But I cannot make up my mind to part with him. He is my own son, and though I endeavor to treat you both alike, of course that makes some difference," said Mr. Kenyon, in rather an apologetic tone.
"Of course it does," said Oliver, who did not feel in the least sensitive about his step-father's superior affection for Roland.