"Ah, but I must," said Fred, hooking his arm in Uncle Leth's. "You are in trouble, and you want me to run. Not likely, Uncle Leth. I love you and yours too deeply. Only one word first. Has Phœbe anything to do with it?"
"No, Fred."
"You are in trouble?"
"Yes."
"About money?"
"Yes."
"Then tell me all about it. I give you my honest word I will not leave you till you do. You have a good ten minutes to spare. You started from home earlier than usual this morning."
It was a fact, but until this moment Uncle Leth had not been aware of it.
"Now tell me, Uncle Leth."
And so, in less than the ten minutes there were to spare, the story of the impending ruin was told.