"You may sit down here, Philip, while I go in and speak to Mr. Codicil," said Mr. Grafton, indicating a chair near the door. "I wish he wouldn't call me Philip," thought Ben. "I like my own name much better." He did not complain aloud, however, for he felt that his salary was liberal enough to compensate him for some slight sacrifice of feeling. "Good morning, Mr. Grafton," said the lawyer, advancing to meet his visitor. "Good morning, Mr. Codicil; I am glad to find you in, for I've made quite an effort to reach your office at an early hour. You observe I have brought the boy with me." The sharp eyes of the lawyer had not failed to note the presence of Ben. "You observe that he is in excellent health, despite all reports to the contrary." "So it appears," said the lawyer. "He seems to have lost all resemblance to the family." "Do you think so?" said Grafton, carelessly. "Opinions differ about that. For my own part, I can see the resemblance plainly." "How old is he now?" "Sixteen." "I have not seen him since he was four years of age." "Twelve years effect many changes." "Very true." "And now, Mr. Codicil, as I have another engagement very soon, if you can conveniently attend to our little business at once--" "Certainly, sir." Mr. Codicil prepared a receipt which he requested Mr. Grafton to sign. He then opened a check-book and filled a check for a large amount, which he handed to his visitor. The latter pocketed it with evident satisfaction. "I hope, Mr. Codicil, you are not disappointed to know that the boy is still alive?" he said. "Heaven knows that I wish no harm to the lad!" said the lawyer, warmly. "Yet, when I consider how his poor cousins are compelled to struggle for a living, I cannot help regretting the injustice of old John Portland's will, which maintains one grandchild in luxury, while three others, having equal natural claims, should be thrown on the cold mercies of the world." "Yes, to be sure!" said Richard Grafton, carelessly. "Still a man's last will and testament must be respected. A man can do as he likes with his own." "True, in the eyes of the law. Morally, there would be no harm in your young ward doing something for his poor cousins. They would like to meet him and make his acquaintance." "I am afraid it won't be possible. We remain in the city but a short time," said Mr. Grafton, hastily. "Where do you go?" "I have not quite decided whether to take a trip to the Pacific coast or to return to Europe. Of course I shall apprise you promptly when I have made my decision." "Your ward is an American. Is it right to rear him in Europe, leaving him without any adequate knowledge of his own country?" "He will have advantages abroad which he would not have in his own country. However, I will consider what you have said, and I may arrange to spend a part of each year in America." "I would like to speak to Philip," said Mr. Codicil.