"Oh, so you're the little lad from Darewell," the girl exclaimed, with a smile, though Ned did not think he quite came under the category of "little." The maid asked him to come in and, as soon as he entered the hall, he saw that the place was in confusion. Several trunks stood about, some half full, others empty, while on chairs and sofas in the reception hall and parlor were piles of clothing. "Is anything the matter?" asked Ned. "Mr. Kenfield has suddenly been called to Europe," the girl said. "He has to go aboard the steamer to-night, and he must pack up at once. He has gone down town on a matter of business but he'll soon be back. Your aunt is expecting you. She's upstairs. I'll show you." The girl led Ned to Mrs. Kenfield's room. "Oh, Ned, I had forgotten all about you!" his aunt exclaimed. "I'm so glad to see you, but I'm sorry we're so upset. However, it will be over in a few hours, and when your uncle is off on the steamer you and I can sit down and talk. I want you to tell me all about Darewell and how your father is. I haven't seen him in so long! My! but you're the perfect image of him. How are you?" "Very well, aunt," Ned replied. "Can I do anything to help you?" "No, we are almost packed, or, rather your uncle is. He has to take quite a lot of things, as he doesn't know how long he may have to stay. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll see about another trunk." Mr. Kenfield returned to the house in about an hour and warmly welcomed his nephew. He expressed regret at the necessity which so unexpectedly called him abroad, and said his trip could not be postponed. "But you will have a good time with your aunt," he added with a smile. "She knows as much about New York as I do, and will have more opportunities to take you around." "Perhaps I had better telegraph the other boys not to come," suggested Ned. "It may inconvenience you." "No, no; let them come and welcome!" exclaimed Mrs. Kenfield. "I love boys. We'll have a fine time. I have lots of room, and I want you and your chums to enjoy this visit to New York." That night Mr. Kenfield, bidding his wife and nephew good-bye, went aboard the vessel which was to sail early in the morning to take advantage of the tide. "Well, I suppose your uncle is well out on the ocean by this time," remarked Mrs. Kenfield, after a somewhat late breakfast which she and Ned ate alone in the handsome dining room. "Now, Ned, will you excuse me for a few hours? I have some shopping to do, and I know you wouldn't want to be going through the stores while I stop at the bargain counters," and she laughed. "Try and make yourself at home here. Mary will get lunch for you, in case I am not back in time. To-morrow your chums will be here, and we must plan to entertain them." Ned said he would be glad to take a rest during the morning, and, after his aunt had left he went to the library to read. He could not get interested in books, however, with the big city of New York at hand.