"A very fine boy!" said Mr. Brief, regarding Ben in quite a different light now that he was indirectly acknowledged to be a rich man's heir. "I shall leave you to manage my property here, Mr. Brief, for the present at least. You will transmit the income to me as it accrues." "You shall not repent your confidence, sir," said the lawyer. "How soon do you leave the city?" "To-morrow. Will that suit you, Ben?" "Oh, yes, Uncle Matthew." "He is a lucky boy," thought Mr. Brief, as the two went out. "His future is provided for." Chapter XXXVIII Conclusion "Ben," said Mr. Baldwin, "let us talk over your plans. Do you wish to remain at the store, or would you like to get a better education?" "I would get a better education if I could afford it, sir." "You can afford it on an income of a thousand dollars a year." "A thousand dollars a year!" exclaimed Ben. "That is the income I shall allow you. Out of this you will be expected to pay all of your expenses." "How can I thank you, sir? Would you object to my giving Aunt Jane a part of the money?" "Yes, I shall object." Ben's countenance fell. "But, Uncle Matthew," he said, "I don't like to live in luxury, while Aunt Jane is straitened." "Your feelings do you credit, my boy; but I mean to take care of your Aunt Jane myself. She is my niece, and you--I am not sure whether you are related to me at all, but I want you to call me Uncle Matthew all the same." "I shall like to, sir. No uncle could be kinder." "That is well," said the old gentleman. "You know, Ben, I have no one else to care for. Now, do you think your Aunt Jane will be willing to move to Boston?" "I am sure she will like it." "Then I shall hire or buy a comfortable house, install her as mistress, require you to live with me while you are attending school, and tyrannize over you all." There was a bright smile on the old man's face. He was looking forward to the new life with anticipations of a happiness and comfort which had long been strangers to him. "How happy we shall all be, Uncle Matthew! Even Aunt Jane will forget to look on the dark side." "I hope so, Ben. I think we can be happy together." "There is one thing I forgot to tell you," he said later. "I shall expect you to pay your board out of your income, you know. If you fail to make regular payments, we shall have to bundle you out." "I will remember," said Ben, smiling. By arrangement Ben went up to Milltown alone to tell his aunt the news. He entered the little house with a sober face. "I see you bring bad news, Benjamin," said Mrs. Bradford mournfully. "You will have to leave the house, Aunt Jane." "And go to the poorhouse! I knew it would turn out that way," and Mrs. Bradford put her handkerchief to her eyes. "What's the matter?" asked Tony. "My poor child," said his mother, "we are going to the poorhouse." "Is that so, Ben?" asked Tony soberly. Ben shouted with laughter. He could not hold back the truth.