There was one member of the household, however, who was not so well pleased with the proposed arrangement. This was Mrs. Estabrook, the housekeeper.
As the week drew to a close, she said, one evening after the boys had retired:
“How much longer is the office boy to stay here, Mr. Reynolds?”
“Why do you ask?” inquired the broker.
“Only with reference to domestic arrangements,” answered the housekeeper, disconcerted.
“He will remain for a considerable time, Mrs. Estabrook.”
“I—I thought he was only going to stay a week.”
“He is company for Herbert, and I think it desirable to keep him.”
“Herbert soils his clothes a deal more now than he used to do,” said the housekeeper, discontentedly. “I am sure I don't know where the other boy carries him.”
“Nor I, but I am not afraid to trust him with Grant. As to the clothes, I consider them of very small account, compared with my boy's health.”