"Will you, indeed, be so kind?"
"Certainly. I shall be glad to do anything for a family that has been so kind to my mother and myself."
Half an hour later Paul stood on the steps of Mrs. Sheldon's handsome house, with the lady at his side.
"Is Mrs. Sheldon at home?" he asked of the servant, who answered his call.
"I believe so. What name shall I say?"
"Paul Palmer. Will you say that my business is urgent?"
"You can come in," said the servant.
So the two entered the parlor, and in a few minutes Mrs. Sheldon, in some surprise at the message, entered also.
Paul rose and bowed.
"You are my niece's protege, I believe," said Mrs. Sheldon, "or rather the boy in whom she is interested."