"I called on a little matter of business," he added, rather awkwardly, for he had expected an invitation to enter.
"Indeed! Won't you come in, then?"
"I will."
The squire stepped in, and after closing the door the widow led the way into the parlor. She placed the lamp down, and offered the squire the easiest chair in the room. He threw himself into it with a loud ahem, and dropped his silk hat on a stand near by.
"You came on a little matter of business, you say?" she began, hesitatingly, as he remained silent for a minute.
"Yes, I did." He cleared his throat again. "Mrs. Nelson, where is your son Ralph?"
"He has gone to the store on an errand for me. He will be back shortly."
"Mrs. Nelson, do you know that that boy is going to get both himself and you into a good deal of trouble?" went on the great man, pompously.
"Oh, I hope not, squire," she cried, in alarm.
"If he keeps on, he will end in State prison!"