It is for this reason that Mrs. Mercer never cared to have any visitor in the house. She feared her dishonesty might be found out. She was especially afraid of any one sent by Mrs. Holbrook, who during her stay had been bold enough to interfere with the housekeeper. When she had ushered Paul into his chamber, she went out to the barn, where she found her son, not at work, but sitting on an old rocking chair which he had carried out for his convenience, smoking. “Well, mother, what’s up?” he asked, on Mrs. Mercer’s entrance. “We have got a visitor,” answered his mother, abruptly. “We?” “Well, Mrs. Granville.” “Who is it--the Holbrook woman?” queried Frost, taking his pipe from his mouth. “No, but it’s some one she sent.” “Man, woman, or child?” “It’s a boy--about sixteen, he looks.” “What on earth should she send a boy for?” asked Frost, in surprise. “To make mischief, I reckon.” “What can a boy do?” “I read the woman’s letter. She sends him to take your place.” “What?” exclaimed Frost, in some alarm. “Why, she hints that he can drive out the old lady, read to her, and make himself generally useful.” “That will make it lighter for me,” said Frost, who was lazy, “if he does the driving.” “Yes, but don’t you see what a chance he will have to work himself into the confidence of the old woman?” “What sort of a boy does he seem to be?” “I’ve only seen him five minutes, but I’ve found out that he is impudent. When I didn’t want to let him in, he actually defied me--asked by what right I sent away Mrs. Granville’s visitors.” “So he is inclined to make trouble, is he?” “Yes.” “Suppose I give him a thrashing?” “It won’t do, Frost.” “You think I am not a match for a boy of sixteen?” “No, not that; but we must not be imprudent. Better get rid of him by underhand means.” “Such as what?” “I don’t know yet; I will consider. Meantime I thought I would come out and put you on your guard.” “All right, mother. I guess we can checkmate the young meddler. Is he in the house?” “Yes; I’ve put him in the small room.” “Next to mine?” “Yes.” “All right; I’ll look him over at dinner time.” In this, however, Frost counted without his host. Mrs. Granville was accustomed to have her meals brought up to her own room. Today she expressed the wish that Paul should dine with her. This displeased the housekeeper. “I suppose Frost and I are not good enough company for the young man,” she said, sulkily. “My good Mercer, you are much mistaken,” said Mrs. Granville, soothingly. “I thought he would be company for me; besides, it will give me a chance to ask him some questions about Louisa.” “Very well, ma’am,” said the housekeeper, but she didn’t look satisfied. “What do you think, Frost?” she said, as she went downstairs. “Master Paul--that’s his name--is to dine with the old woman upstairs. I suppose he is too good to eat with us.” “I don’t know as I care much, mother; I don’t want his company.”