oilet, including dresses quite
complete, could be obtained. Mrs. Forbush was in favor of selecting very
plain articles, but her uncle overruled her, and pointed out costumes
much more costly.

"But, uncle," objected Mrs. Forbush, "these things won't at all
correspond with our plain home and mode of living. Think of a
boarding-house keeper arrayed like a fine lady."

"You are going to give up taking boarders--that is, you will have none
but Philip and myself."

"Will you really live with us, uncle? But the house is too poor."

"Of course it is, but you are going to move. I will speak further on
this point when you are through your purchases."

At length the shopping was over, and they re-entered the carriage.

"Drive to No.-- Madison Avenue," said Mr. Carter to the driver.

"Uncle Oliver, you have given the wrong direction."

"No, Rebecca, I know what I am about."

"Do you live on Madison Avenue?" asked Mrs. Forbush.

"I am going to and so are you. You must know that I own a furnished
house on Madison Avenue. The late occupants sailed for Europe last week,
and I was looking out for a tenant when I found you. You will move there
to-morrow, and act as house keeper, taking care of Philip and myself. I
hope Julia and you will like it as well as your present home."

"How can I thank you for all your kindness, Uncle Oliver?" said Mrs.
Forbush, with joyful tears. "It will be living once more. It will be
such a rest from the hard struggle I have had of late years."

"You can repay me by humoring all my whims," said Uncle Oliver, smiling.
"You will find me very tyrannical. The least infraction of my rules will
lead me to send you all packing."

"Am I to be treated in the same way, Mr. Carter?" asked Philip.

"Exactly."

"Then, if you discharge me, I will fly for refuge to Mr. Pitkin."

"That will be 'out of the frying-pan into the fire' with a vengeance."

By this time they had reached the house. It was an elegant brown-stone
front, and proved, on entrance, to be furnished in the most complete and
elegant manner. Mr. Carter selected the second floor for his own use;
a good-sized room on the third was assigned to Philip, and Mrs. Forbush
was told to select such rooms for Julia and herself as she desired.

"This is much finer than Mrs. Pitkin's house," said Philip.

"Yes, it is."

"She will be jealous when she hears of it."

"No doubt. That is precisely what I desire. It will be a fitting
punishment for her