"No, why should I?"
"I have been guilty of a crime."
"But you are sorry for it. Is there positively no one with whom you are acquainted who is rich enough to help you?"
"There is one lady in Chicago—a rich lady—who was a schoolmate of my mother. She was older and in better circumstances, but they were good friends."
"Who is this lady?"
"A Mrs. Merton."
"Mrs. Merton!" exclaimed Luke, in excitement. "Of Prairie Avenue?"
"Yes; I believe she lives there."
"Why, I know her—I am in her employ," said Luke.
Ambrose Kean stared at Luke in open amazement.