"
"Not with your guardian?" asked Ben, smiling.
"Was the man who handed you this card my guardian?"
"Yes; he tried to find out all he could from me; but wasn't very
successful. Then he said he thought he knew you, and handed me this
card."
"So he thinks to delude me by masquerading under a false name! He
must suspect that I am his ward."
"Of course you won't see him?"
"No."
"What shall I say?"
"That I don't remember the name, and decline to see him."
"Won't that increase his suspicions?"
"I can't help it."
"Very well."
Ben went below; but thought he might as well put off the interview.
It was not till afternoon that Mr. Campbell met him again.
"Did you deliver my card, boy?" he asked.
"My name is Benjamin," returned our hero, who did not fancy the
manner of address.
"Very well. Did you deliver my card, Benjamin?"
"Yes, sir."
"What did your cousin say?"
"That she knew no gentleman or family of your name."
"I did not expect she would remember; but I have reasons for asking
an interview."
"You mustn't be offended, sir; but she declines to meet a stranger."
Mr. Campbell was baffled.
"She mistakes my motive," he said, in a tone expressive of
annoyance.
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