CHAPTER III.
RELATIONS.
“THAT doesn’t sound like a creditor with a bill to-night,” said Mr. Kayll, laughing and rubbing his hands softly over his knees. “But if so, mother’s ready for him.” And he slapped his pocket meaningly. “Jack, my boy, you go and open. Your sister looks as though she’d done about enough for to-day.”
Jack obeyed. He opened the door rather doubtfully a little way to begin with, and then, hearing and seeing nothing, somewhat wider, when he saw before him a small girl, apparently about as old as his sister Edie.
He looked at her, but she did not speak.
“What do you want?” he asked, after waiting a minute.
“Does Mr. Kayll live here?” she inquired then in a voice that trembled with nervousness.
“Yes, he does.”
“Could I see him?”
“I suppose so. Come in,” said Jack gruffly, and she stepped timidly inside, when he shut the door behind her and put his head into the sitting-room.