The Cash Boy

Excerpt: ...for he could plainly see that his uncle had grown older since he last saw him. "You think so, John, but I feel it. Your coming is a surprise. You did not write that you intended sailing." "I formed the determination very suddenly, sir." "Were you tired of Europe?" "No; but I wanted to see you, sir." "Thank you, John," said his uncle, pressing his nephew's hand. "I am glad you think so much of me. Did you have a pleasant voyage?" "Rather rough, sir." "You have had no supper, of course? If you will ring the bell, the housekeeper will see that some is got ready for you." "Is Mrs. Bradley still in your employ, uncle?" "Yes, John. I am so used to her that I shouldn't know how to get along without her." Hitherto John Wade had been so occupied with his uncle that he had not observed Frank. But at this moment our hero coughed, involuntarily, and John Wade looked at him. He seemed to be singularly affected. He started perceptibly, and his sallow face blanched, as his eager eyes were fixed on the boy's face. "Good heavens!" he muttered to himself. "Who is that boy? How comes he here?" Frank noticed his intent gaze, and wondered at it, but Mr. Wharton's eyesight was defective, and he did not perceive his nephew's excitement. "I see you have a young visitor, uncle," said John Wade. "Oh, yes," said Mr. Wharton, with a kindly smile. "He spends all his evenings with me." "What do you mean, sir?" demanded John Wade, with sudden suspicion and fear. "He seems very young company for