CHAPTER XXXVI
WARNER POWELL STARTS ON A JOURNEY
Thanks to the liberal compensation received from Mrs. Merton, Luke was enabled to supply his mother and Bennie with all the comforts they required, and even to put by two dollars a week. This he did as a measure of precaution, for he did not know how long the engagement at the house on Prairie Avenue would last. If he were forced to fall back on his earnings as a newsboy, the family would fare badly. This might happen, for he found himself no nearer securing the favor of Harold and his mother. The manner of the latter was particularly unpleasant when they met, and Harold scarcely deigned to speak to him. On the other hand, Warner Powell showed himself very friendly. He often took the opportunity to join Luke when he was leaving the house, and chat pleasantly with him. Luke enjoyed his companionship, because Warner was able to tell him about Australia and California, with both of which countries Mrs. Tracy's brother was familiar.
"Mother," said Harold, one day, "Uncle Warner seems very thick with that newsboy. I have several times seen them walking together."
Mrs. Tracy frowned, for the news displeased her.
"I am certainly very much surprised. I should think my brother might find a more congenial and suitable companion than Aunt Eliza's hired boy. I will speak to him about it."
She accordingly broached the subject to Warner Powell, expressing herself with emphasis.
"Listen, Louisa," said Warner, "don't you think I am old enough to choose my own company?"
"It doesn't seem so," retorted Mrs. Tracy, with a smile.
"At any rate, I don't need any instructions on that point."