She cast a withering glance at Luke.
"Have you seen my aunt this morning?" she asked.
"Yes, madam."
"I wonder you had the face to stand in her presence."
It must be said, in justification of Mrs. Tracy, that she really believed that Luke had stolen Mrs. Merton's money.
"I know of no reason why I should not," said Luke, calmly. "Will you be kind enough to explain what you mean?"
"You know well enough," retorted Mrs. Tracy, nodding her head venomously.
"Mrs. Merton appears to be well satisfied with me," said Luke, quietly. "When she is not, she will tell me so, and I shall never come again."
"You are the most brazen boy I know of. Why it is that my aunt is so infatuated with you, I can't for my part, pretend to understand."
"If you will allow me, I will bid you good-morning," said Luke, with quiet dignity.