"But you see each other on Sundays," said the old woman gently; "you go to the same church, Owen tells me." Reuben looked up in astonishment. At the same moment he caught a warning, entreating glance from Owen. A deep blush, which might have been taken for a blush of guilt, overspread Reuben's countenance. How could Owen tell such an untruth to his mother? Reuben said nothing, and Mrs. Grant took his silence for assent. A little farther on their ways separated, and Reuben said "Good-day" to the Grants. He did not see Owen again till they met at the station when they were about to return to Birmingham. Their meeting gave Reuben no pleasure, for he felt disgusted with Owen for the way in which he was deceiving his parents. Owen's self-satisfaction, however, seemed as complete as ever. He showed no consciousness of having done anything of which he should be ashamed. He regarded himself as a sharp, clever fellow, sure to get on in the world, and held Reuben but a poor creature in comparison. As they approached Birmingham, and were about to part, Owen suddenly asked Reuben if he could lend him five shillings. "The fact is I'm rather hard up," he said, with a magnificent air. "I've spent too much money on the old people this Christmas. I shall receive my salary in a day or two, and then I'll pay you. But don't if it's not convenient." It was not quite easy for Reuben to spare five shillings just then. But he did not like to refuse, so he handed the sum to Owen, who thanked him, assured him again that it should be returned in a day or two, and went his way. [Illustration] [Illustration] CHAPTER V. REUBEN SEES MORE OF OWEN GRANT. NOT two days only, but two weeks, passed, and Reuben saw nothing of Owen Grant. He began to wonder if his loan of five shillings had been forgotten by Owen. Reuben felt, not unnaturally, that he should like to see his money again. He did not know where Owen lodged, but he knew the shop at which he worked, and he resolved that since Owen did not seek him, he would go in search of Owen. Reuben could not get to the draper's shop in which Owen was employed till near the hour of closing. But late as it was, the shop was full of customers. The atmosphere was hot with gas. The assistants looked tired, but very busy. When Reuben asked if he could see Owen Grant, he was told to stand on one side and wait. Reuben waited patiently, finding entertainment in watching the scene before him. Presently he spied Owen seated before a high desk in the middle of the shop. He had a large book before him, in which he continually made entries, at the same time receiving money and giving forth change with a rapidity which astonished Reuben. Busy though he was, he caught sight of Reuben, and nodded to him. But something in his look as he did so, made Reuben fancy that Owen was not over-pleased to see him.