CHAPTER XII — MRS. ESTABROOK'S PLANS
Grant was going home with Mr. Reynolds at the close of the fourth day, when it occurred to him to say what had been in his mind for some time: “Isn't it time, Mr. Reynolds, for me to be looking out for a boarding place?”
The broker smiled, and said with assumed concern: “Are you dissatisfied with your present boarding place?”
“How could I be, sir?” returned Grant, earnestly. “But you told me I could stay with you a week, while I was looking about for a suitable place to board.”
“That is true. Now, however, there is a difficulty about your making a change.”
“What is that, sir?”
“Herbert would not give his consent. The fact is, Grant, Herbert finds so much pleasure in your society, and derives so much advantage from the increased exercise you lead him to take, that I think you will have to make up your mind to stay.”
Grant's face showed the pleasure he felt.
“I shall be very glad to stay, Mr. Reynolds,” he answered, “if you are willing to have me.”
“I had this in view from the first,” said the broker, “but I wanted to see how you and Herbert got along. I wished to be sure, also, that your influence on him would be good. Of that I can have no doubt, and I am glad to receive you as a member of my family.”