my
mother. She was older and in better circumstances, but they were good
friends."

"Who is this lady?"

"A Mrs. Merton."

"Mrs. Merton!" exclaimed Luke, in excitement. "Of Prairie Avenue?"

"Yes; I believe she lives there."

"Why, I know her--I am in her employ," said Luke.

Ambrose Kean stared at Luke in open amazement.

"Is this true?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Is she a kind lady? Do you think she would help me in this trouble of
mine?"

"She is very kind-hearted, as I know from my own experience. I will go
to her at once, and see what I can do."

Ambrose Kean grasped Luke's hand with fervor.

"You are a friend sent from heaven, I truly believe," he said. "You
have given me hope of retrieving myself."

"I will leave you for a time," said Luke. "There is no time to be
lost."

"I shall be full of anxiety till I see you again."

"Be hopeful. I think I shall bring you good news."

When Luke reached the house on Prairie Avenue he was about to ring the
bell when Harold Tracy opened the door.

"You here again!" he said, in a tone of displeasure. "Weren't you here
this morning?"

"Yes."

"Did Aunt Eliza ask you to come this afternoon?"

"No."

"Then what brings you?"

"Business," answered Luke, curtly, and he quietly entered the hall,
and said to a servant who was passing through, "Will you be kind
enough to ask Mrs. Merton if she will see me?"

"Well, you're cheeky!" ejaculated Harold, who had in tended to keep
him out.

"As long as Mrs. Merton doesn't think so, I shall not trouble myself,"
said Luke, coldly.

"Sooner or later Aunt Eliza will see you in your true colors," said
Harold, provoked.

"I think she does now."

At this moment the servant returned.

"You are to go upstairs," she said. "Mrs. Merton will see you."

The old lady was sitting back in an easy-chair when Luke entered. She
smiled pleasantly.

"This is an unexpected pleasure," she said, "this after-noon call."

"I will tell you at once what brought me, Mrs. Merton."

"It isn't sickness at home, I hope?"

"No, I came for a comparative stranger."

Then Luke told the story of Ambrose Kean, his sudden yielding to
temptation, his repentance and remorse.

"I am interested in your friend," said Mrs. Merton. "You say he
appropriated fifty dollars?"

"Yes, but it was to help his mother."

"True, but it was a dangerous step to take. It won't be considered a
valid excuse."

"He realizes all that. His employer is a just