Part 16 (1/2)

”Where did you learn that word, Tony?” inquired his mother, shocked.

”It isn't swearing, is it, mother?”

”No, but it is not refined.”

”I'm too young to be refined, mother.”

”But where did you learn it, Tony?”

Ben smiled. ”Tony don't want to expose me, Aunt Jane,” he said. ”I suppose he learned it of me. It isn't a bad word.”

”I never used it,” said Mrs. Bradford primly.

”No, I should think not,” said Ben, laughing. ”I can't image you calling anything bully. It isn't a lady's word. You know, aunt, boys can't always use go-to-meetin' words. They want to be free and easy sometimes.”

Here the discussion was dropped, and the evening was pa.s.sed cheerfully.

The next morning Mr. Manning called. Admitted into the little cottage, he glanced quickly about him, and was pleased to find that, though the furniture was plain, there was evidences of neatness.

Mrs. Bradford, too, in spite of her tendency to low spirits, impressed him favorable, as likely to be kind and judicious. But perhaps what influenced him as much as anything was the presence of Tony, for he held that a child companion would be very desirable for his young ward. He repeated the offer of seven dollars a week.

”I am afraid it will hardly be worth that, Mr. Manning, though it will be very welcome to us,” said Mrs. Bradford.

”I prefer to pay liberally, since the property left to my young charge is ample. Besides, she will be more or less care. I shall have to trouble you to provide the little girl with suitable attire, charging, of course, all outlays to me.”

”I shall be very glad to do so, Mr. Manning. When do you wish the child to come?”

”As soon as possible.”

”Will you bring her yourself?”

”There will be some difficulty about that,” answered Mr. Manning hesitatingly. ”I can't leave my business.”

”Where is she, may I ask?”

”In New York.”

”Can't I go for her?” asked Ben eagerly.

”Why, Benjamin,” expostulated his aunt, ”you have never traveled.

I wouldn't trust you by yourself, much less with the care of a child.”

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.