“May I see him?”
“I will call him.”
Ben was summoned, and Mr. Stormleigh regarded him with evident approval.
“Really, Mrs. Harcourt, you have reason to feel proud of such a fine-looking boy.”
“Have I not? Edwin, shake hands with Mr. Stormleigh. He is an old friend of mine, besides being your trustee.”
“Well, my boy, how old are you?”
“Sixteen.”
Mrs. Harcourt looked relieved. The age tallied exactly.
“And now, Edwin,” said the lady, “I won’t detain you. You may go down at once to the Fifth Avenue Hotel and await me there. Or, if you want two hours for yourself, meet me at the end of that time at my room. I am not sure whether you have any money. Here is a ten-dollar bill.”