"You have been badly treated, John," she said. "I am sure my poor brother would feel badly enough if he could know how Mrs. Oakley has driven you from home. You do not mean to go back?"
"No, aunt," said John, resolutely. "Until Mrs. Oakley restores me to my former privileges, I shall not go home."
"Then you must stay here, John," said his aunt.
"If I can be of any service to you, aunt, I will."
"You can be of great service to me, John. I do not feel confidence in Mr. Hall, and you know why I cannot be sure that he is not cheating me in the store. I want you to keep an eye upon him."
"I will go into the store as an assistant," said John. "That will give me the best opportunity."
"But you have never been used to work," said his aunt.
"I must work now. Remember, aunt, Mrs. Oakley holds the property, and I am dependent on my own exertions."
"It is disgraceful that it should be so, John."
"But it is so. Perhaps matters may come right by and by; but for the present I must work. I will go into the store, and you shall give me my board."
"If we get clear of Mr. Hall's note, you can do better by me. Until then, let that be the arrangement."
"You don't know what a load you have lifted from my mind, John. I am very sorry that you have been driven from home; but I am very glad to have you here. Martha, get ready the back bedroom for John."
"I begin to feel myself at home already," said John, brightly.
"Our home is a humble one compared with the one you have left, John," said his aunt.
"But you are here, aunt, and you seem like my own mother. That will make more than the difference to me."
"I hope we can make you comfortable, John. Martha, you may set the table for supper, and get John's room ready afterwards. I think he must be hungry."
"I am as hungry as a bear, aunt," said John, smiling.
In the evening Martha went into the store by her mother's request, and asked Mr. Hall to step in after closing the store.
"I believe you wished to see me, Mrs. Berry," he said.
"Thank you." And the young man seated himself, looking furtively at Mrs. Berry, as if to inquire the object of his being summoned.
"Mr. Hall, this is my nephew, John Oakley. I believe you have already met."
"Yes, he came into the store," said Mr. Hall, glancing at John.