“That is a new freak, is it not? Do you prefer it?”
“No, sir.”
“Then why have you abandoned the habit of coming to the library?”
“I would rather not tell you.”
Scott looked searchingly at the boy for a moment and said:
“Paul, I think there is some reason why you have ceased to come to the library. It may be a good reason or a flimsy one; but there is a reason, and I wish to know it.”
“Mr. Wilmer, there is a reason, and a very good one; will not that satisfy you?”
“No; I must know what it is.”
“You have a right to know, but I would rather you did not.”
“Paul,” he said, “you have been in my home for some time, and since you came you have never disobeyed me in any way, or deceived me by one act; will you begin it now?”