"Who are you bringing into the house, Gerald?" demanded Abel, sharply.
"Don't you know me, Abe?" asked Alonzo Crane, with an ingratiating smile.
"How should I?" asked Abel; but his face changed, for he did recognize his plebeian relative.
"This is your uncle," said Gerald, gravely. "Is your mother at home?"
CHAPTER VIII
A COLD RECEPTION
"I don't think she is," said Abel, reddening with mortification.
Just then Mrs. Lane's voice was heard from the head of the stairs.
"Who are you talking with, Abel?"
"It's me, Melindy—your brother Alonzo," said Mr. Crane.