“I don't want to keep you in suspense any longer, so I may as well say that it is your Uncle Oliver.”

“Uncle Oliver! Why, he is in Florida.”

“No; he came home from Charleston. I happened to be at the pier—I went down to see if I could get a job at smashing baggage—when I saw him walking down the gang-plank.”

“Has he gone to his old quarters at Mr. Pitkin's?”

“No; what I told about the way they treated you and me made him angry, and he drove to the Astor House. I have a room there, too, and am to act as his private secretary.”

“So that is your new situation, Phil?” said Julia.

“Yes, and it is a good one.”

“And he really feels kindly to me?” said Mrs. Forbush hopefully.

“He sends you this and will call to-morrow,” said Phil. “Actions speak louder than words. There are a hundred dollars in this roll of bills.”

“He sent all this to me?” she said.