"That's good," chuckled Roland with malicious merriment. "Do they flog at the school he's going to?"
"Ho! ho! He'll get more than he bargains for. I don't mind staying at home now, father."
"Hope you'll have a good time, Oliver," said Roland, with a chuckle, when Oliver and his father were on the point of starting. "How lonely I'll feel without you!"
Oliver thought it rather strange that Roland should acquiesce so readily in the plan which left him at home, but it soon passed away from his mind.
Soon after they were seated in the cars, bound for New York, Mr. Kenyon remarked:
"Perhaps you are surprised, Oliver, that I take you with me instead of Roland."
"The fact is," said Mr. Kenyon candidly, "I don't think Roland treats you as well as he should."
"I don't complain of Roland," he said. "I don't think he likes me, but perhaps that is not his fault. We are quite different."
"Don't think of that, Mr. Kenyon; Roland has never done me any serious harm, and if he proposed to do it, I am able to take care of myself."
Oliver did not say this in an offensive tone, but with manly independence.
"You are quite magnanimous," said Mr. Kenyon. "I am just beginning to appreciate you. I own that I used to have a prejudice against you, and it is possible I may have treated you harshly; but I have learned to know you better. I find you a straightforward, manly young fellow."
"Thank you, sir," said Oliver, very much astonished. "I am afraid you do me more than justice. I hope to retain your good opinion."
"I have no doubt you will," said Mr. Kenyon, in a quiet and paternal tone. "You have probably noticed that my manner toward you has changed of late?"
"Yes, sir, I have noticed the change, and been glad to see it."
"Of course, of course. Now, I have got something to tell you."
"I want to tell you why I have brought you to New York to-day. You probably thought it was merely for a pleasant excursion."
"I have another object in view. Noticing as I have the dislike--well, the incompatibility between you and Roland, I have thought it best to make separate arrangements for you."
Now Oliver was strangely interested. What plan had Mr. Kenyon formed for him?
"I intend you to remain in the city. How does that suit you?"