"I wished to speak to you about that, aunt. There is a gentleman in Milwaukee who has a branch office in Chicago, and I understand that he wants someone to represent him here. His present agent is about to resign his position, and I think I have some chance of obtaining the place. It will be necessary for me, however, to go to Milwaukee to see him in person."
"Go, then, by all means," said Mrs. Merton. "I will defray your expenses."
"Thank you very much, aunt. You know that I have little money of my own. But there is another thing indispensable, and that I am afraid you would not be willing to do for me."
"What is it, Warner?"
"I shall have charge of considerable money belonging to my employer, and I learn from the present agent that I shall have to get someone to give bonds for me in the sum of ten thousand dollars."
"Very well! I am willing to stand your security."
Warner looked surprised and gratified.
"Knowing how dishonestly I have acted in the past?" he said.
"The past is past. You are a different man, I hope and believe."
"Aunt Eliza, you shall never regret the generous confidence you are willing to repose in me. It is likely to open for me a new career, and to make a new man of me."