"It was a very accommodating sickness, to my mind."
"Why, what do you mean, squire?"
"It gave your son a good excuse to be abroad at that time of the night when all honest folks are in bed."
"Squire, your words are nothing less than insult!" cried Mrs. Nelson, stung deeply by his insinuation.
"I am only dealing in facts, madam. I called here to-night to help you keep clear from trouble."
"You are not helping me now," she replied, cuttingly.
At that moment a merry whistle was heard outside, and a light step ascended the back stoop.
"There is Ralph; I will let him in," said Mrs. Nelson, and she left the parlor.
"Squire Paget is here," she said to the boy as he entered the kitchen and deposited a basketful of groceries on the table.
"Squire Paget! What does he want?"