boy!"

"Yes, yes; a good straight up-and-down lad, with plenty of backbone,
though his uncle does not quite understand him. However, I think Eddie
should do something at once, though I don't entirely approve of the
timber-yard; still, anything for a beginning. Now, Mrs. Clair, when
would you like to leave here?"

"As soon as possible; every day only lessens our little fund."

"I think I know a person who would take this house, if he could get it
at once. This is Wednesday; could you manage to leave if I found you
suitable lodgings by next Monday?"

"Quite easily, Mr. Murray; but are you sure you can let it? I do not
want the house to remain on your hands."

"Never mind that. In the name of a person I know intimately, I offer you
180 pounds a year for it: and it's cheap too. Of course there are a
great many things you can take away with you, such as plate, linen,
pictures: they will make your lodgings more comfortable."

"But the person who takes the house?"

"Has a great many things of his own--unconsidered trifles--that he must
find room for. It's a great comfort to give advice to a reasonable
person who is willing to follow it. As for the boys, don't worry about
them. Just as soon as you are settled, I'll have a talk with Eddie, and
then go and see Mr. Gregory."

Mr. Murray was no half-hearted friend; when he undertook to do a thing,
it was done well and promptly, so that before a week from her first
mentioning the matter Mrs. Clair was settled in very pleasant lodgings
not far from Hampstead Heath.

The rooms seemed very small at first, but they soon became used to that,
and the garden, with its prim walks, edged on either side with
old-fashioned autumn flowers, was delightful. Even Eddie looked happier,
and Agnes declared Hampstead was nearly as good as Brighton. When Bertie
came to see them, he could hardly keep from crying, it was all so cosy,
pretty, and homelike, compared with the gloomy grandeur of Gore House;
and, worst of all, his uncle was becoming more exacting and severe every
day. The secret of Mr. Gregory's unkindness to Bertie was the open
interest taken in him by Mr. Murray, who, in spite of many hints,
refused to have anything to do with Dick Gregory, and told his father
plainly that the boy had no taste or capacity for business. Poor Bertie
had to suffer for that disappointment: he was scolded, overworked,
reproved, but he bore it all patiently; never complained, never
answered, but he was