s had preferred a petition to go to Chicago for a week, in order to
attend some of the amusements there to be enjoyed, alleging that it was
awfully dull in the country.

Mr. Granville was inclined to be very indulgent, to make up for the long
years in which he had been compelled practically to desert his son. The
petition therefore received favor.

"It is only natural that you should wish to see something of the city,
my son," he said. "I will grant your request. We will go to Chicago, and
remain a week at the Palmer House. Mrs. Brent, will you accompany us?"

"With pleasure, Mr. Granville," answered that lady. "It is not dull here
for me, still I shall no doubt enjoy a little excitement. At any rate, I
shall be best pleased to be where you and your son are."

"Then so let it be. We will go to-morrow."

One secret wish and scheme of Mrs. Brent has not been referred to. She
felt that her present position was a precarious one. She might at any
time be found out, and then farewell to wealth and luxury! But if she
could induce Mr. Granville to marry her, she would then be secure,
even if found out, and Jonas would be the son of Mr. Granville, though
detected as a usurper. She, therefore, made herself as agreeable as
possible to Mr. Granville, anticipated his every wish, and assumed the
character, which she did not possess, of a gracious and feminine woman
of unruffled good humor and sweetness of disposition.

"I say, ma," Jonas observed on one occasion, "you've improved ever so
much since you came here. You're a good deal better natured than you
were."

Mrs. Brent smiled, but she did not care to take her son into her
confidence.

"Here I have no cares to trouble me," she said. "I live here in a way
that suits me."

But when they were about starting for Chicago, Mrs. Brent felt herself
becoming unaccountably depressed.

"Jonas," she said, "I am sorry we are going to Chicago."

"Why, ma? We'll have a splendid time."

"I feel as if some misfortune were impending over us," said his mother,
and she shivered apprehensively.

But it was too late to recede. Besides, Jonas wished to go, and she had
no good reason to allege for breaking the arrangement.

CHAPTER XL.

A SCENE NOT ON THE BILLS.

Phil was in Chicago, but that was only the first step toward finding
those of whom he was in search. Had he been sure that they were in the
city, it would have simplified matters, but the fact that Mrs. Brent
directed h