“I see.”

“Yes. Know him and his ma pretty well, do you?”

“Slightly. I’ve met them, at mutual acquaintances’ homes and about town.”

“Pretty well fixed, I s’pose, ain’t they?”

“I presume so. I don’t know.”

“Um. He’s a sociable young feller, ain’t he? Don’t stand on any ceremony, hey? Caro and Steve think a lot of him and his mother.”

“Yes. Graves has told me the Dunns were very intimate with the Warrens. In fact, just before your brother’s death, I remember hearing a rumor that the two families might be even closer connected.”

“You mean—er—Caroline and—er—him?”

“There was such a rumor. Probably nothing in it. There is no engagement, I am very sure.”

“Yes, yes, I see. Well, Mr. Sylvester, I must be trottin’ on. I’ll think the whole business over for another day or so and then give you my decision, one way or the other.”