walk, which, as the weather grew warmer, was sometimes fatiguing. The
box, which had been carried into the parlour was again opened by Kezia
and Owen, who begged leave to help her. After supper Mr Fluke, who
appeared for the time to have forgotten his tulips, employed himself in
examining the contents, which proved to be the books he had directed
John Rowe to purchase for him.

"Your friend has performed his commission well," he said, as he looked
over book after book. "I recognise Susan's handwriting--your
grandmother, I mean; it must seem a long time ago to you, but to me it
is as yesterday. I had not from the first moment any doubt as to your
being Susan Fluke's grandchild, but I am now convinced of it. You will
find more interesting reading in these books than in any I possess, and
you are welcome to make use of them."

Owen accepted the offer, and for many an evening afterwards pored over
in succession most of the well-remembered volumes.

Mr Fluke, the next morning, on his way to the office, called at an
upholsterer's, and purchased a dark oak bookcase, which he ordered to be
sent home immediately. On his return home, with evident satisfaction he
arranged the books within it.

Owen had every reason to be thankful for the kind treatment he received,
but the life he spent was a dull one. In reply to letters he wrote to
his friends at Fenside they warmly congratulated him on his good
fortune.

Day after day he went to the office, where he was kept hard at work from
the moment of his arrival until the closing hour, for, as it was found
that he was more exact in his calculations than any one else, and as he
wrote a hand equal to the best, he had always plenty to do, a few
minutes only were allowed him to take his frugal dinner. Frequently
also he was unable to enjoy even a few mouthfuls of such fresh air as
Wapping could afford.

Generally he walked in and out with Mr Fluke, but he sometimes had to
go alone. He was soon able to find his way without difficulty, but he
never had an opportunity of going in other directions, so that all he
knew of London was the little he saw of it while visiting the sights
with John Rowe. Whatever the weather, he had to trudge to and fro.
Several times he got wet through, and had to sit all day in his damp
clothes.

Kezia suggested to Mr Fluke that the boy required a fresh suit--"His
own is threadbare, and would be in holes if I did not darn it up at
nights," she observ