"Let's go downstairs, ma! I hope it's all a mistake and she'll send me for a policeman."
"I am afraid the boy's story is correct. But his day will be short."
When they reached the hall, Mrs. Hamilton had already been admitted to the house.
"There's a boy in the drawing room, Mrs. Hamilton," said Mrs. Hill, "who says he is to stay here—that you sent for him."
"Has he come already?" returned Mrs. Hamilton. "I am glad of it."
"Then you did send for him?"
"Of course. Didn't I mention it to you? I hardly expected he would come so soon."
She opened the door of the drawing room, and approached Ben, with extended hand and a pleasant smile.
"Welcome to New York, Ben," she said. "I hope I haven't kept you waiting long?"
"Not very long," answered Ben, shaking her hand.