“We will be on hand.”
She smiled a satisfied smile as she left the office.
“I don’t think Basil Wentworth will follow us to Europe,” she reflected. “It would be dangerous to have him and Edwin meet. By the help of this boy, whose appearance does me credit, I shall still be able to retain his ten thousand dollars a year. I should be a fool to give it up.”
Meanwhile Ben had made his visit to Staten Island. Near the Astor House he had met Frank Mordaunt selling papers.
“Good morning, Frank,” he said. “I hope it all came out right—about the rent, I mean.”
“Yes, Ben, thanks to your kindness—mother felt very happy when I took in the money and she knew there would be no need to move. She wants you to come over to supper some evening, if you won’t mind our poor accommodations.”
“Don’t forget, Frank, that I am a poor boy myself, or was till I fell in with the lady that is taking care of me.”
“What is her name, Ben?”
“Harcourt.”
Frank started.