Mr. Manning smiled, but Ben was annoyed.
"Why, Aunt Jane, you must think me a baby," he said. "I guess I can take care of myself."
"I wouldn't dare to go to New York myself alone," said his aunt.
"Oh, that's different," said Ben. "You're a woman, and of course you couldn't take care of yourself."
"And you are a man, I suppose?" said Mr. Manning, amused.
"I shall be some time, and Aunt Jane never will," returned Ben.
"I think, Mrs. Bradford," said Mr. Manning, "that your nephew is right in that. Seriously, I am inclined to favor the plan."
"Do you really think Benjamin can be trusted, Mr. Manning?"
"I really do."
"He has never been away from home."