"It was the first time I have heard her mention him since he left us."
"She has spoken of him to me, three or four times—a word or two—no more."
"Do you know where he is?"
"No."
"Does mother know?"
"No."
"Does any one know?"
"No. Mother is sure he is dead. I think so myself. He would have written to Robert if he was alive. He was gey fond of Robert."
"I was at school when he went away. I never heard why he went, for when I came home I was forbidden to name him. Did he do anything wrong?"
"No, no! You must not suppose such a thing. He was the most loving and honorable of men."