"You had only to refer the matter to me, and I could have settled the question. Luke is in my employ——"
"In your employ?" repeated Mrs. Tracy, in surprise.
"Yes; he will do errands for me, and sometimes accompany me to the city."
"Why didn't you call on Harold? He would be very glad to be of service to you."
"Harold had other things to occupy him. I prefer the other arrangement. Luke, come into my room and I will give you directions."
Mrs. Tracy and Harold looked at each other as the old lady and Luke disappeared.
"This is a new freak of Aunt Eliza's," said Mrs. Tracy. "Why does she pass over you, and give the preference to this upstart boy?"
"I don't mind that, mother," replied Harold. "I don't want to be dancing attendance on an old woman."
"But she may take a fancy to this boy—she seems to have done so already—and give him part of the money that ought to be yours."
"If we find there is any danger of that, I guess we are smart enough to set her against him. Let her have the boy for a servant if she wishes."