"I shall soon be seventeen."
"Then you are beginning the world young. Continue to deserve good fortune, and you are likely to prosper."
Before returning to New York Harry felt inclined to visit his would-be guardian, John Fox, whose treatment of him has been recorded at length in "Facing the World."
He took the train, as before, to Bolton, and thence went by stage to Colebrook. He walked to the Fox mansion, and going up to the front door knocked.
The door was opened by Mrs. Fox herself. She did not immediately recognize Harry in his handsome suit, with a gold chain crossing his vest, attached, it may be added, to a handsome gold watch, which he had bought in New York.
"What is your business, young man?" she asked.
"Don't you remember me, Mrs. Fox?" asked Harry.
"Land's sake! It aint Harry Vane!" she exclaimed in wonder.
"Yes, it is," answered Harry, smiling. "I hope Mr. Fox and Joel are well."
"Come in, and I'll call Joel. You've been doing well, aint you?" she asked, surveying him with eager curiosity.