Part 48 (2/2)
”Oh, what shall we do, Benjamin?” said the widow.
”First, we must search for that letter of Uncle Matthew's.”
”I know I'm to blame, Benjamin. I have brought ruin upon you and my poor, innocent Tony.”
”You haven't ruined me, so you need not trouble yourself about that.
Even if the letter cannot be found, I guess we shall live through it.”
They hunted high and low; but the letter was not to be found. Ben was a good deal disappointed, but did not venture to say so, not wis.h.i.+ng to increase his aunt's despondency. On Monday morning he went back to Boston, and told the bookkeeper.
”It seems quite desirable that you should go to Montreal, Ben,” said young Porter.
”Of course that is out of the question, Mr. Porter.”
”No; I think it can be managed.”
Ben looked, as he felt, not a little surprised.
”It is some time,” explained the bookkeeper, ”since we sent an agent to Montreal. We have been thinking of sending some one up there, stopping at the princ.i.p.al towns on the way. You are rather young, but if I recommend you I presume my uncle will let you go.”
Of course Mr. Porter, senior, had to be consulted. Though not a little doubtful about the expediency of sending so young a representative of the house, he finally gave his consent, which was communicated to Ben.
Ben was summoned to the countingroom, and received his instructions, with a sum of money for expenses. At three o'clock in the afternoon he was dismissed, though he was not to start till the next morning.
Old Mr. Benton's door was open when Ben returned.
”What brings you home so soon?” he inquired.
”I am going to Montreal,” said Ben.
”Come in and tell me about it.”
The old man, clad in a ragged dressing-gown, was sitting in a rocking-chair by the fire. The day was not cold, but his blood was thin, and he felt the need of some artificial heat. He was smoking a common clay pipe.
”Isn't this sudden--your going to Montreal?” asked Mr. Benton.
”Yes, sir; I think young Mr. Porter has made business there in order to give a chance to go?”
”What do you mean to do?”
”I shall attend first to the business of the firm, and then call on this lawyer, Mr. Brief.”
”It is well thought of, and, Benjamin, try to get a chance to see the new heir, Mr. Tremlett, and find out what use he is making of his property.”
”Yes, sir, I will.”
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