“I am glad to hear it,” said the broker, much pleased. “If you want to become stout and strong like Grant, that is the best thing for you to do.” “I never liked playing ball before, papa.” “That is a compliment to you, Grant,” said the broker, smiling. “I think,” he said to the prim, elderly lady who presided over the household, acting as housekeeper, “Herbert will be the better for having a boy in the house.” “I don't know about that,” said Mrs. Estabrook, stiffly. “When he came into the house he had mud on his clothes. He never did that till this boy came.” “I won't complain of that, if his health is improved.” Mrs. Estabrook, who was a poor relation of Herbert's mother, pursed up her mouth, but did not reply. In her eyes, it was more important that a boy should keep his clothes whole and clean than to have color in his cheeks, and health in his frame. “I hope that boy won't stay here long,” she thought, referring, of course, to Grant. “He'll quite spoil Herbert by making him rough and careless of his appearance.” “Well, Herbert, and how do you like Grant?” asked Mr. Reynolds, as his son was bidding him good-night before going to bed. “I am so glad you brought him here, papa. I shall have good times now. You'll let him stay all the time, won't you?” “I'll see about it, Herbert,” answered his father, smiling. CHAPTER XII -- MRS. ESTABROOK'S PLANS Grant was going home with Mr. Reynolds at the close of the fourth day, when it occurred to him to say what had been in his mind for some time: “Isn't it time, Mr. Reynolds, for me to be looking out for a boarding place?” The broker smiled, and said with assumed concern: “Are you dissatisfied with your present boarding place?” “How could I be, sir?” returned Grant, earnestly. “But you told me I could stay with you a week, while I was looking about for a suitable place to board.” “That is true. Now, however, there is a difficulty about your making a change.” “What is that, sir?” “Herbert would not give his consent. The fact is, Grant, Herbert finds so much pleasure in your society, and derives so much advantage from the increased exercise you lead him to take, that I think you will have to make up your mind to stay.” Grant's face showed the pleasure he felt. “I shall be very glad to stay, Mr. Reynolds,” he answered, “if you are willing to have me.” “I had this in view from the first,” said the broker, “but I wanted to see how you and Herbert got along. I wished to be sure, also, that your influence on him would be good. Of that I can have no doubt, and I am glad to receive you as a member of my family.” There was one member of the household, however, who was not so well pleased with the proposed arrangement. This was Mrs. Estabrook, the housekeeper. As the week drew to a close, she said, one evening after the boys had retired: “How much longer is the office boy to stay here, Mr. Reynolds?” “Why do you ask?” inquired the broker.