might be innocent, and I didn't want to bring a false
charge against him."

"You are very considerate," said Mrs. Merton.

"That seems quite conclusive, Aunt Eliza," said Mrs. Tracy,
triumphantly. "I am sure Warner will agree with me."

"As to that, Louisa," said her brother, "Harold is not certain it was
aunt's lost pocketbook."

"But he thinks it was----"

"Yes, I think it was"

"For my own part, I have no doubt on the subject," said Mrs. Tracy, in
a positive tone. "He is the person most likely to take the money, and
this makes less proof needful."

"But, suppose, after all, he is innocent," suggested Warner.

"You seem to take the boy's side, Warner. I am surprised at you."

"I want him to have a fair chance, that is all. I must say that I have
been favorably impressed by what I have seen of the boy."

"At any rate, I think Aunt Eliza ought to question him sternly, not
accepting any evasion or equivocation. He has been guilty of base
ingratitude."

"Supposing him to be guilty?"

"Yes, of course."

"I intend to investigate the matter," said the old lady. "What do you
think, Harold? Do you think it probable that Luke opened my drawer,
and took out the pocket-book?"

"It looks very much like it," said Harold.

"Certainly it does," said Mrs. Tracy, with emphasis.

"Suppose we drop the conversation for the time being," suggested the
old lady. "Harold has not wholly gratified our curiosity as to the
watch and chain. Do you know, Harold, who the gentleman is to whom you
rendered such an important service?"

"No, Aunt Eliza, I did not learn his name."

"What was his appearance? Describe him."

"He was a tall man," answered Harold, in a tone of hesitation.

"Was he an old or a young man?"

"He was an old man with gray hair. He walked very erect."

"Should you know him again, if you saw him?"

"Yes, I think so."

"Then, perhaps, we may have an opportunity of ascertaining who he was.
My broker will probably know him from your description."

"Why do you want to find out who he is?" asked Harold, uneasily.
"Don't you think I ought to keep the watch?"

"I have a feeling of curiosity on the subject. As to keeping it, I
don't think the gentleman will be likely to reclaim it."

"Of course not. Why should he?" said Mrs. Tracy. "He gave it freely,
and it would be very strange if he wished it back."

Here the conversation dropped, much to Harold's relief. Warner
accompanied his aunt from the room.