Chapter XVII—Advice Gratis
Gray appeared at his desk the next morning at his usual hour. The office learned in due course that he had had some trouble and had taken a day off. The loss of an annuity of five hundred pounds a year did not appear to weigh on him so heavily as might have been supposed. At half-past ten he went upstairs, in response to a request for his presence.
George Early was occupying his accustomed place, perhaps a little paler than usual, but very intent on business.
"You sent for me," said Gray.
"I did," said his master. "I should like you to explain your strange absence from business yesterday."
Gray grinned. "I was burying my grandmother," he said.
He received a look of severe reproof. "I believe I am right in assuming that you were out making a beast of yourself," said George.
"I was out with Flora," replied Gray.