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244 Although my uncle did not say so, I am pretty well satisfied that much of his wrongdoing was attributable to his wife, who was a very proud and extravagant woman. This, I think, is why he left her no more than he did.

The day before my uncle's funeral Mr. Banker came down to the city. He shook me warmly by the hand and slyly asked me if I had enough of the sea.

"Yes, indeed," I replied. "Life on shipboard is well enough to read about, but the city is good enough for me."

"And what do you propose to do now?" he asked.

"You are my guardian. I suppose I'll have to do as you wish me to."

"No, Luke; you are old enough to choose for yourself."

"Then let me say that I would like to go to college and finish the education my father intended I should have."

"So be it," replied Mr. Banker.

All this happened six years ago. During that time great changes have taken place.

Immediately after my uncle's death my aunt removed to her former home in Boston, taking Gus and Lillian with her. They never write to me or come