Richard Grafton hesitated, but only for a moment. He was playing a bold game for a large stake. It would not do to be timid. "Come here, Philip," he said, "Mr. Codicil wishes to speak to you." Ben rose and advanced to meet the lawyer. "I am glad to make your acquaintance, sir," he said. "And I am pleased to meet you, my boy. You look well!" "Yes, sir; I always enjoy good health." Mr. Codicil looked a little surprised, but he regarded with approval the boy's bright face and manly figure. "He is certainly a very attractive boy," thought the lawyer. "I haven't much confidence in his guardian, but the boy doesn't appear to be spoiled." "Come, Philip. I am afraid I must hurry you away," said Mr. Grafton, "as I have another visit to pay." Ben shook hands with the lawyer and went out of his office. "I cannot help distrusting that man," said Mr. Codicil, as the door closed. "I believe him to be a trickster. I wish the boy were under better influences." Ben had been at such a distance from the inner office that he had not heard or understood the conversation between his employer and Mr. Codicil, yet it seemed to him singular that he should have received so much attention from the lawyer. "I suppose Mr. Grafton was speaking to him about me," said he to himself. When they reached the street Mr. Grafton said: "Philip, I shall not require your company any longer this morning. If you have any plans of your own you are quite at liberty to follow them. Have you all the money you need?" "Yes, sir; you gave me fifteen dollars yesterday." "I remember. Very well; you can go where you please. We will meet at the hotel at one o'clock." "Would you object, Mr. Grafton, to my sending five dollars to my mother? I shall have enough left for myself." "Do as you like. You may send ten dollars if you like. When you are out of money you have only to apply to me." "You are very kind, sir," said Ben, gratefully. "It is on account of your first month's wages, you know." Then he paused a moment, regarding Ben with some apparent solicitude. "By the way," he said, "I must guard you against saying too much about me or your relation with me. I have a great dislike to have myself or my affairs talked about." "I will remember, sir." "You need not mention that I have desired you to bear a different name from your own." "I will not mention it, sir, if you object." "With me it is a matter of sentiment," said Mr. Grafton in a low voice. "I had a dear son named Philip. He died, and left me alone in the world. You resemble him. It is pleasant to me to call some one by his name, yet I cannot bear to excite the curiosity of a cold, unsympathizing world, and be forced to make to them an explanation which will harrow up my feelings and recall to me my bitter loss." "I quite understand you, Mr. Grafton," said Ben, with quiet sympathy. "Though I would prefer to be called by my own name, I am glad if I can help make up to you for your loss."