"I don't believe any one would pay such a price," she said.
Upon this Ben gave his aunt full particulars, and her usually sober face brightened up at the prospect of thus maintaining their home.
"I can hardly believe it," she said. "This Mr. Manning must be very liberal.
"The money doesn't come from him. He says the little girl has property, and can afford to pay well. He is coming round to-morrow morning to learn whether you will take her."
"Won't you take her, mother?" pleaded Tony.
"I shall be very glad of the chance," said Mrs. Bradford. "It will make us very comfortable."
"Still, Aunt Jane, if you would really prefer going to the poorhouse," said Ben, his eyes twinkling, "I will go round and see if you can get in."
"Never mind, Benjamin," said his aunt cheerfully. "I prefer to keep out of that place as long as I can."
"Would you like to have a little girl to play with, Tony?" asked Ben.
"It'll be bully," said Tony.