"Convince her that he is a scapegrace. Get him into a scrape, in other words."
"But he is too smart to be dishonest, if that is what you mean."
"It is not necessary for him to be dishonest. It is only necessary for her to think he is dishonest."
There was some further conversation. As Warner Powell was leaving the house, after promising to call in the evening, he met on the steps Mrs. Merton, under the escort of Luke Walton.
The old lady eyed him sharply.
CHAPTER XXVI
THE PRODIGAL'S RECEPTION
"Don't you know me, Aunt Eliza?" asked Warner Powell casting down his eyes under the sharp glance of the old lady.
"So it is you, is it?" responded Mrs. Merton, in a tone which could not be considered cordial.