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50 Franklin told him, and a minute later the two separated.

The youth returned to his uncle's house with a lighter heart. It was true he had lost one position, but was there not the best prospects of speedily obtaining another?

There was great surprise in the Bell household when he had related all that occurred. Mrs. Bell shed tears when she learned that her nephew had been thought guilty of stealing, and intended to go to another city for work, and the girls were indignant at the way their cousin had been treated.

"But Mrs. Mace was always hateful," declared Daisy, with energy. "Didn't she scold little Flossie Graves dreadfully just because the poor lame dear asked the cook for some grapes last Fall? If it wasn't for clearing you I would almost wish she would never hear of Gresson and her rings again!"

"Daisy!" remonstrated Mrs. Bell.

"Well, it's a shame that she should mistrust Frank!" cried the girl.

Mr. Bell was a trifle better, but he had mothing to say. His own troubles seemed to have almost overcome him.

"I suppose if you obtain a position in Paterson you will have to board there," said Mrs. Bell later on.

"Yes, Aunt Martha. It's too bad to leave you, but it can't be helped."