"Yes, I shall object."
Ben's countenance fell.
"But, Uncle Matthew," he said, "I don't like to live in luxury, while Aunt Jane is straitened."
"Your feelings do you credit, my boy; but I mean to take care of your Aunt Jane myself. She is my niece, and you—I am not sure whether you are related to me at all, but I want you to call me Uncle Matthew all the same."
"I shall like to, sir. No uncle could be kinder."
"That is well," said the old gentleman. "You know, Ben, I have no one else to care for. Now, do you think your Aunt Jane will be willing to move to Boston?"
"I am sure she will like it."
"Then I shall hire or buy a comfortable house, install her as mistress, require you to live with me while you are attending school, and tyrannize over you all."
There was a bright smile on the old man's face. He was looking forward to the new life with anticipations of a happiness and comfort which had long been strangers to him.
"How happy we shall all be, Uncle Matthew! Even Aunt Jane will forget to look on the dark side."