"No, Mrs. Marlow, but he brought something better." "And what can that be?" asked the widow, with intense curiosity. "He engaged mother to take a place as housekeeper for a gentleman in the country." "You don't say! And what'll be done with your sister? I'll board her cheap, and be like a mother to her." Rupert could not help smiling at the idea of leaving his sister in such hands. He explained that Grace would go with her mother. "Sure your mother's a lucky woman! I'd like to be a housekeeper myself. Wouldn't you speak to the gentleman for me?" "I'll mention it if you like." Rupert could promise this safely, for he would take care that Mr. Sylvester understood the character of their unscrupulous neighbor. "If you'll do it, Rupert, dear, I'll pay you back the dollar I borrowed the other day, when I get my first week's wages." "Some folks is lucky!" soliloquized Mrs. Marlow. "The young man ought to have taken me. I'm much stronger than Mrs. Rollins, and I would have made a better housekeeper, but maybe my turn will come next." CHAPTER VIII. JULIAN LORIMER. On Monday Rupert saw his mother and sister established at Rutherford. Their new home was a large old-fashioned mansion, exceedingly comfortable. One of the best chambers was assigned to Mrs. Rollins, with a small room opening out of it for Grace. Benjamin Strathmore was a stout old gentleman of seventy, tall, and patriarchal-looking with his abundant white hair. "How do you like my selection of housekeeper, Uncle Ben?" asked Sylvester, when he had a chance to be alone with the old gentleman. "She will just suit me," said Mr. Strathmore, emphatically. "She is evidently a lady, and she will be an agreeable companion if I am not mistaken. Mrs. Martin was a good housekeeper, but she had no idea outside of her duties. I could not chat with her unless I talked about cooking. My evenings were solitary. She spent the time in the kitchen or in her own room. Now the house will be really social." "I am delighted to have suited you, Uncle Ben." "Where in the world did you come across Mrs. Rollins? Have you known her long?" "I became acquainted through her son Rupert, to whom I introduced you." "He seems a fine, manly boy. He can stay here, too. I will find something for him to do." "Thank you, Uncle Ben, but I shall find him a place in New York. He prefers the city, and it will afford him more opportunities of advancement. Rupert is ambitious, and I predict that he will rise in time to an excellent position." "Just as you think best, Frank; but remember that if ever there is need, or he becomes sick, there is room for him here."