“Philip included,” added Phil, smiling.

“Yes.  I want you to share in our good fortune.”

“Mother, you had better consult Phil about keeping the house.”

“Oh, yes.”

Mrs. Forbush thereupon told Philip of the landlord’s visit and his proposal to ask a higher rent.

“I hesitated about taking the house,” she said; “but with this handsome gift from Uncle Oliver, I don’t know but I may venture.  What do you think?”

“I think, Mrs. Forbush, you had better not decide till you have seen your uncle.  He may have some plan of his own for you.  At any rate, you had better consult him.  He will call to-morrow.  And now, let me pay you for my week’s board.”

“No, Philip.  I shall not want it with all this money, which I should not have received but for you.”

“A debt is a debt, Mrs. Forbush, and I prefer to pay it.  I shall not be here to supper, as Mr. Carter is expecting me back to the Astor House.  I shall probably come with him when he calls upon you to-morrow.”

On his return to the hotel, as he was walking on Broadway, Phil came face to face with Alonzo Pitkin.

“I think I’ll ask him about that letter his uncle gave him to post to me,” thought Phil, and he waited until Alonzo was close at hand.

CHAPTER XXV.

Alonzo is puzzled.

Alonzo, who had his share of curiosity, as soon as he saw Phil’s approach, determined to speak to him, and ascertain what were his plans and what he was doing.  With the petty malice which he inherited from his mother, he hoped that Phil had been unable to find a place and was in distress.

“It would serve him right,” said Alonzo to himself, “for trying to get into Uncle Oliver’s good graces.  I s’pose he would like to cut me out, but he’ll find that he can’t fight against ma and me.”

“Oh, it’s you, is it?” was Alonzo’s salutation when they met.

“Yes,” answered Phil.

“Pa bounced you, didn’t he?” continued Alonzo complacently.

“Yes,” answered Phil.  “That is, he discharged me.  I suppose that is what you meant.”

“You’ve got it right the first time,” said Alonzo.

“Have you got another place?”

“Do you ask because you feel interested in me?” asked Phil.

“Well, not particularly,” answered Alonzo appearing quite amused by the suggestion.

“Then you ask out of curiosity?”

“S’pose I do?”

“I don’t mind telling you that I have found a place, then.”

“What sort of a place?” asked Alonzo, disappointed.

“There is no need of going into particulars.”

“No.  I s’pose not,” sneered Alonzo.  “You’re probably selling papers or blacking boots.”

“You are mistaken.  I have a much better situation than I had with your father.”

Alonzo’s lower jaw fell.  He was very sorry to hear it.