"
"And yet your father likes him?"
"I don't think he does, though Peter, by his
mother's orders, pays all sorts of small attentions--
bringing him his slippers, running on
errands, and so on, not because he likes it, but
because he wants to supplant me, as he has
succeeded in doing."
"You have finally broken away, then?"
"Yes; I couldn't stand it any longer. Home
had become intolerable."
"Pardon the question, but hasn't your father
got considerable property?"
"I have every reason to think so."
"Won't your leaving home give your step-
mother and Peter the inside track, and lead,
perhaps, to your disinheritance?"
"I suppose so," answered Carl, wearily; "but
no matter what happens, I can't bear to stay
at home any longer."
"You're badly fixed--that's a fact!" said
Gilbert, in a tone of sympathy. "What are
your plans?"
"I don't know. I haven't had time to think."
CHAPTER II.
A FRIEND WORTH HAVING.
Gilbert wrinkled up his forehead and set
about trying to form some plans for Carl.
"It will be hard for you to support yourself,"
he said, after a pause; "that is, without help."
"There is no one to help me. I expect no help."
"I thought your father might be induced to
give you an allowance, so that with what you
can earn, you may get along comfortably."
"I think father would be willing to do this,
but my stepmother would prevent him."
"Then she has a great deal of influence over him?"
"Yes, she can twist him round her little finger."
"I can't understand it.
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