“Hush, James. He is a young man of large property—fifty thousand dollars, at the very least, as Mr. Middleton informs me—just the companion I desire for you and Edwin. He very handsomely offered to buy you a new ball, but I wouldn’t permit it.”
“Is he so rich, father?” inquired James, in astonishment.
“Yes, you made a great mistake about him. I have invited him to supper here this evening, and I expect you and Edwin to treat him with attention.”
James was like his father, and needed no admonition. Tom was no longer a bully in his eyes, but a young gentleman entitled to consideration.
CHAPTER VI
THE POOR RELATION.
TWO HOURS later a note was received from Mrs. Davenport, inviting Tom to pass the day at her house. It was brought by an errand-boy, and arrived just as Tom, having arranged his wardrobe, was about to start on a journey of exploration.
“I’ll come with pleasure,” said Tom. “Say I’ll be round in fifteen minutes.”
“You see, my dear,” said Mr. Middleton, “Tom has been taken up by the Davenports; we must take care to gratify him in all his wishes. It will do us credit to have him at our house.”