The time slipped away so rapidly that Luke was surprised when, looking at the French clock on the mantel, he saw that it lacked but a quarter of ten o'clock.
"Mr. Kean," he said, glancing at the clock, "it is getting late."
"So it is," said Ambrose, rising. "I am afraid we have been trespassing upon your kindness, Mrs. Merton."
"Not at all!" said Mrs. Merton, promptly. "I have enjoyed the evening, I can assure you. Mr. Kean, you must call again."
"I shall be glad to do so, if you will permit me."
"I wish you to do so. Luke will come with you. I shall want to hear more of your mother, and how she gets along."
As they were leaving, Mrs. Merton slipped into the hand of Ambrose Kean an envelope.
"The contents is for your mother," she said. "I have made the check payable to you."
"Thank you. It is another mark of your kindness."
When Ambrose Kean examined the check, he ascertained to his joy that it was for a hundred dollars.