"Well, Dick," he said, "so they let you come!"
Dick obeyed, and patiently answered all the questions his grandfather put to him—mostly about his father, and his life in India.
"And so there is a chance of the regiment being ordered home next year, if all's well," Sir Richard remarked presently. "It's about time, I should say. How was it your mother did not bring you home?" he asked abruptly.
"She could not leave father," Dick explained; "and besides, it costs a lot of money to travel from India to England, and father hasn't much money, you know!"
"Has he not?"
"I should have thought you would have known that!" Dick exclaimed, regarding his grandfather with evident surprise.
"I have not known much about my son of late years," the old man said bitterly; "he offended me, and I have never forgiven him!"
"I don't believe father did anything wrong!" Dick declared, looking greatly distressed, for he thought whatever his father did must be right.
"You were not asked your opinion, young gentleman!" Sir Richard told him sarcastically.