"I have an engagement with a friend who knows of a position he thinks I can secure," he said.
"I hope you won't be late," said Mrs. Tracy.
"No, I presume not, but you had better give me a pass key."
Mrs. Tracy did so reluctantly. She was afraid Harold might want to join his uncle; but the nephew was not taken with his new relative, and made no such proposal.
In reality, Warner Powell had made an engagement to go to McVicker's Theater with his friend Stephen Webb, who had arranged to meet him at the Sherman House.
While waiting, Warner, who had an excellent memory for faces, recognized Luke, who was selling papers at his usual post. There was some startling news in the evening papers—a collision on Lake Michigan—and Luke had ordered an unusual supply, which occupied him later than his ordinary hour. He had taken a hasty supper at Brockway & Milan's, foreseeing that he would not be home till late.
"Aunt Eliza's boy!" thought Warner. "I may as well take this opportunity to cultivate his acquaintance."
He went up to Luke and asked for a paper.
"You don't remember me?" he said, with a smile.
"No," answered Luke, looking puzzled.