ned, at the same price. You can save six or seven dollars in this
way."

"I thank you, Mrs. Whippleton. I'm very much obliged to you, and will
go to your house."

I was really relieved by this friendly offer, for I did not like to go
to a hotel among total strangers. Whatever Mrs. Whippleton was morally
could not affect me as a boarder for a brief period, while the saving
of expense was a great item to me. When the train arrived at Chicago,
the old lady gathered up her bundles, with my assistance, and we walked
to her house, which was at a considerable distance from the station.
The dwelling was a large, plain house. I found that it was furnished in
a very cheap style. The landlady called a servant girl, who conducted
me to a small room over the entry, in which there was a narrow bed. It
did not compare favorably with my quarters at Mrs. Greenough's, but I
thought I could stand it for a week. When I went down stairs, I was
invited to tea with the old lady. I came to the conclusion that the
boarders in the house paid full price for all they had, for the butter
was very strong, and the dishes were not particularly clean.

Before we had finished our supper, Mr. Charles Whippleton was
announced. He came into the room where the old lady was sipping her
tea, and after casting a sharp look at me, he threw himself into a
large rocking-chair, which was evidently kept for the especial use of
his mother. He was well dressed, and after I had heard so much about
the man, I scrutinized his features quite closely. I was not favorably
impressed, for there was an expression of sharpness and cunning in his
face which did not suit me. Mrs. Whippleton did not take the trouble to
introduce me.

"Got home, mother?" said he, without wasting any of his breath in
affectionate terms.

"I have, thank fortin; but I didn't expect to get home."

"Why, what's the matter now?" demanded the dutiful son, whose question
implied that something was always the matter.

Mrs. Whippleton informed him what was the matter now, including a
detailed account of her grievances. To my surprise, the affectionate
son informed her that she was an old fool, glancing at me, as though,
after a day's experience with his maternal parent, I ought to be able
to confirm his rash statement in the fullest manner.

I prudently held my peace.

"I may be an old fool, but I know when I am insulted."

"I would rather given fifty dollars than had you appeal to Mr.
Collings