“I am sure Conrad would have been glad to serve you in that way, Cousin Hamilton,” said Mrs. Hill.  “I am sorry you did not give him the first chance.”

“Conrad wouldn’t have suited me,” said Mrs. Hamilton bluntly.

“Perhaps I may not be competent,” suggested Ben modestly.

“We can tell better after trying you,” said his patroness.  “As for Conrad, I have obtained a position for him.  He is to enter the offices of Jones & Woodhull, on Pearl Street, to-morrow.  You will take an early breakfast, Conrad, for it will be necessary for you to be at the office at eight o’clock.”

“How much am I to get?” asked Conrad.

“Four dollars a week.  I shall let you have all this in lieu of the weekly allowance I pay you, but will provide you with clothing, as heretofore, so that this will keep you liberally supplied with pocket money.”

“Conrad’s brow cleared.  He was lazy, and did not enjoy going to work, but the increase of his allowance would be satisfactory.

“And now, Ben, Mrs. Hill will kindly show you your room.  It is the large hall bedroom on the third floor.  When you have unpacked your valise, and got to feel at home, come downstairs, and we will have a little conversation upon business.  You will find me in the sitting room, on the next floor.”

“Thank you,” said Ben politely, and he followed the pallid cousin upstairs.  He was shown into a handsomely furnished room, bright and cheerful.

“This is a very pleasant room,” he said.

“You won’t occupy it long!” said Mrs. Hill to herself.  “No one will step into my Conrad’s place, if I can help it.”

CHAPTER XX ENTERING UPON HIS DUTIES

When Ben had taken out his clothing from his valise and put it away in the drawers of the handsome bureau which formed a part of the furniture of his room, he went downstairs, and found his patroness in a cozy sitting room, on the second floor.  It was furnished, Ben could not help thinking, more as if it were designed for a gentleman than a lady.  In one corner was a library table, with writing materials, books, and papers upon it, and an array of drawers on either side of the central part.

“Come right in, Ben,” said Mrs. Hamilton, who was seated at the table.  “We will talk of business.”

This Ben was quite willing to do.  He was anxious to know what were to be his duties, that he might judge whether he was competent to discharge them.

“Let me tell you, to begin with,” said his patroness, “that I am possessed of considerable wealth, as, indeed, you may have judged by way of living.  I have no children, unfortunately, and being unwilling, selfishly, to devote my entire means to my own use exclusively, I try to help others in a way that I think most suitable.  Mrs. Hill, who acts as my housekeeper, is a cousin, who made a poor marriage, and was left penniless.  I have given a home to her and her son.”