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This morning I have listened to the story of your treachery. I have seen the woman whose son, represented to me as my grandson, lies in Greenwood Cemetery. I have learned your wicked plans to defraud him of his inheritance, and I tell you that you have failed.”

β€œI shall make my will to-morrow, bequeathing all my property to my grandson, excepting only an annual income of two thousand dollars to yourself. And now I must trouble you to find a boarding place. After what has passed I do not desire to have you in the family.”

β€œI do not believe he is your grandson,” said John Wade, too angry to heed prudential considerations.

β€œYour opinion is of little consequence.”

β€œThen, sir, I have only to wish you good-morning. I will send for my trunks during the day.”

β€œGood-morning,” said Mr. Wharton, gravely, and John Wade left the room, baffled and humiliated.

β€œI hope, sir,” said the housekeeper, alarmed for her position; β€œI hope you don’t think I knew Mr. Frank was your grandson. I never was so astonished and flustrated in my life. I hope you won’t discharge me, sirβ€”me that have served you so faithfully for many years.”

β€œYou shall remain on probation. But if Frank ever has any fault to find with you, you must go.”

β€œI hope you will forgive me, Mr. Frank.”

β€œI forgive you freely,” said our hero, who was at a generous disposition.





CHAPTER XXII





CONCLUSION

Meanwhile poor Grace had fared badly at the poorhouse in Crawford. It was a sad contrast to the gentle and kindly circle at Mr. Pomeroy’s. What made it worse for Grace was, that she could hear nothing of Frank. She feared he was sick, or had met with some great misfortune, which prevented his writing.

One day a handsome carriage drove up to the door. From it descended our hero, elegantly attired. He knocked at the door.

Mrs. Chase, who was impressed by wealth, came to the door in a flutter of respect, induced by the handsome carriage.

β€œWhat do you wish, sir?” she asked, not recognizing Frank.

β€œMiss Grace Fowler!” repeated Mrs. Chase, almost paralyzed at Grace being called for by such stylish acquaintances.

β€œYes, my sister Grace.”

β€œWhat! are you Frank Fowler?”

β€œYes. I have come to take Grace away.”

β€œI don’t know as I have the right to let her go,” said Mrs. Chase, cautiously, regretting that Grace was likely to escape her clutches.

β€œHere is an order from Deacon Pinkerton, chairman of the overseers of the poor.”

β€œThat is sufficient. She can go. You look as if you had prospered in the city,” she added, with curiosity.

β€œYes. I have found my grandfather, who is very wealthy.”

β€œYou don’t say!” ejaculated Mrs. Chase. β€œI’ll tell Grace at once.”

Grace at work in the kitchen had not heard of the arrival. What was her surprise when Mrs. Chase, entering the room, said, graciously:

β€œGo up at once, Grace, and change your clothes. Your brother has come for you. He is going to take you away.”

Grace almost gasped for breath.

β€œIs it true?”

β€œIt is indeed. Your brother looks remarkably well. He is rich. He has found a rich grandfather, and has come for you in a carriage.”

In amazed bewilderment Grace went upstairs and put on her best dress, poor enough in comparison with her brother’s clothes, and was soon happy in his embrace.

β€œI am glad to see you, my dear child,” said Mr. Wharton, who had accompanied Frank. β€œWill you come to the city and live with me and your brother?”

β€œOh, sir, I shall be glad to be wherever Frank is.”

β€œGood-bye, my dear child,” sand Mrs. Chase, whose feelings were very much changed, now that Grace was a rich young lady. β€œCome and see me some time.”

β€œThank you, Mrs. Chase. Good-bye!”

The carriage rolled on.

A few words only remain. Our hero was placed at a classical school, and in due time entered college, where he acquitted himself with distinction. He is now making a tour of Europe. Grace was also placed at an excellent school, and has developed into a handsome and accomplished young lady. It is thought she will marry Sam Pomeroy, who obtained a place in a counting-room through Mr. Wharton’s influence, and is now head clerk, with a prospect of partnership. His father received a gift of five thousand dollars from Mr. Wharton as an acknowledgment of his kindness to Frank. Tom Pinkerton holds a subordinate clerkship in the same house, and is obliged to look up to Sam as his superior. It chafes his pride, but his father has become a poor man, and Tom is too prudent to run the risk of losing his situation. John Wade draws his income regularly, but he is never seen at his uncle’s house.

Mr. Wharton is very happy in his grandson, and made happier by the intelligence just received from Europe of Frank’s engagement to a brilliant young New York lady whom he met in his travels. He bids fair, though advanced in age, to live some years yet, to witness the happiness of his dear grandson, once a humble cash-boy.



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