“No,” said Nathan. “Out of regard for the lamented friend of my early days, I will receive this misguided boy, and try to correct his faults and make him steady and well-behaved.”
“You’ll find it a hard job, my friend.”
“I shall have the co-operation of Mrs. Middleton, an admirable lady, whose precepts and example will have a most salutary effect upon my young charge.”
“Well, I hope so, for your sake. When shall I send Tom to you?”
“As soon as you like,” said Nathan, who desired that the allowance of twenty dollars a week should commence at once. “To whom am I to send my bills?”
“To me. I am a lawyer, and the executor of Mr. Temple’s will.”
“I wonder this lawyer didn’t try to secure the thousand dollars a year for himself,” thought Nathan, and he inwardly rejoiced that he had not done so.
“Am I expected to provide the boy’s clothes?” he asked anxiously, the thought suddenly occurring to him. “Is that to come out of the thousand dollars?”
“No; not at all. You will furnish the clothes, however, and send the bills to me. Here is my card.”
“I believe my business is at an end,” he said rising; “at least for the present. The boy will be forwarded at once. He will probably present himself to you day after to-morrow.”