“I’m much obliged for your offer, Lucindy, but I prefer to make my own arrangements. I am going to stay here.” “Then we shall not assist you,” said Mrs. Ross, angrily. “I don’t wish you to. I can manage to pay my board, and I have already selected a boarding place.” “Where do you expect to board?” asked Mrs. Ross, curiously. “I’ll tell you when it’s settled.” The next day Uncle Obed informed his niece that he was to board with Mrs. Gilbert. This was unwelcome news, because it would be a help to a family she disliked; but Uncle Obed was proof against any insinuations she was able to bring against Harry and his mother, and the day after he transferred himself to the clean and airy chamber in Mrs. Gilbert’s cottage. “This will just suit me,” said the old man, looking about him with a pleased expression. “I like this room much better than the one my niece gave me.” “Our house won’t compare with hers, Mr. Wilkins,” said the widow. “It ain’t so fine, but she put me in a little seven-by-nine chamber, and I was always used to plenty of room.” “I am afraid our living will be too plain for you,” suggested Mrs. Gilbert, apprehensively. “Do I look as if I was used to high living?” asked Uncle Obed. “No; whatever’s good enough for you and Harry is good enough for me. And now it’s best to agree about terms, so that we may know just how we stand.” This was rather embarrassing to the widow. Uncle Obed certainly did not look as if he could pay much, yet it would not do to charge too little. She would not be able to provide her table. “Would four dollars suit you?” she asked, in a hesitating way. “No, it wouldn’t,” said the old man. “I don’t see how I can afford to ask less,” faltered Mrs. Gilbert. “That isn’t the point,” he said. “You don’t ask enough. I will pay you six dollars a week—the first week in advance.” “I should never think of asking so much,” said Mrs. Gilbert, amazed. “Are you sure——” “That I can afford to pay so much?” asked Uncle Obed, who understood her thought. “Yes; I have a little something, though you might not think it from my clothes. When my trunk comes—I left it at a hotel in New York—I will dress a little better; but I wanted to try an experiment with my niece, Mrs. Ross. Here’s the money for the first week.” And, drawing out a large wallet, he took therefrom two bills—a five and a one. “It will make me feel very easy,” said Mrs. Gilbert, gratefully, “even if Harry doesn’t get any regular work, though I hope he will.” “I should like to warn you of one thing,” said Uncle Obed. “Don’t let people know how much board I pay. If Mrs. Ross chooses to think I am very poor, let her. She won’t pester me with hypocritical attentions, which I shouldn’t value.” Harry was delighted at his mother’s good fortune in obtaining so valuable a boarder. Six dollars a week would go a long way in their little household.