He seems to have been brought up as a gentleman."
"He has. Till a short time since he supposed himself the heir to a
fortune."
"Indeed!" said Mrs. Gordon, with curiosity.
Briefly, Mr. Percival rehearsed the story which Frank had told him.
"What a shame!" exclaimed Mrs. Gordon, indignantly. "His stepfather
ought to be punished:"
"That may come in time. Wickedness does not always prosper. But as
regards our young friend, I have a plan in view."
"What is it, father?"
"I find he has an excellent education, having been nearly ready for
college when the crisis in his fortunes came. I have been thinking
whether we could not find a place for him in this house. My eyes, you
know, are so weak that they are often strained by attention to my
correspondence and reading. I have an idea of engaging Frank Courtney as
a sort of private secretary, upon whom I can at any time call. Of
course, he would have his home in the house."
"There will be no difficulty about that. Our family is small, and we
have plenty of vacant rooms. But, father, will he be qualified to
undertake the duties you have designed for him? He is very young."
"That is true, my dear; but he is remarkably well educated.
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