h. He seems to have been brought up as a gentleman."

"He has. Till a short time since he supposed himself the heir to a
fortune."

"Indeed!" said Mrs. Gordon, with curiosity.

Briefly, Mr. Percival rehearsed the story which Frank had told him.

"What a shame!" exclaimed Mrs. Gordon, indignantly. "His stepfather
ought to be punished:"

"That may come in time. Wickedness does not always prosper. But as
regards our young friend, I have a plan in view."

"What is it, father?"

"I find he has an excellent education, having been nearly ready for
college when the crisis in his fortunes came. I have been thinking
whether we could not find a place for him in this house. My eyes, you
know, are so weak that they are often strained by attention to my
correspondence and reading. I have an idea of engaging Frank Courtney as
a sort of private secretary, upon whom I can at any time call. Of
course, he would have his home in the house."

"There will be no difficulty about that. Our family is small, and we
have plenty of vacant rooms. But, father, will he be qualified to
undertake the duties you have designed for him? He is very young."

"That is true, my dear; but he is remarkably well educated. I have
tested his capacity by dictating a letter for him to copy."

"Did he do the work satisfactorily?" asked Mrs. Gordon.

"Without a single mistake."

"Then, father, I would not hesitate to engage him. Freddie likes him,
and will be delighted to have him in the house."

"Another idea, Helen. It is time Freddie began to study. Suppose we make
him Freddie's private tutor--say for an hour daily?"

"That is really an excellent idea, father," said Mrs. Gordon, in a tone
of satisfaction. "It will please and benefit Freddie, and be a relief to
me. Do you think Frank will have patience enough?"

"I watched him with the little fellow, and I could see that he liked
children. I am sure he will succeed in this as well as in the duties
which he will undertake for me."

"I suppose he will have no objection to the plan?"

"I think he will accept gladly. He has had a hard struggle thus far in
maintaining himself, and I can relieve him from all anxiety on that
score. I am indebted to him for helping me to recover my bonds, and
this will be an excuse for offering him a larger salary than the
services of so young a secretary could be expected to command."

"Very well, father. Your plan pleases me very much, and I shall be glad
to have Fra