Frederic Vernon had carefully rehearsed his part, and his manner was such that his aunt almost believed him.
"You wish to set yourself straight?" she asked slowly.
"Yes, dear aunt. I know I have done wrong, but I am not the rascal you may think I am."
"I have never said you were a rascal, Frederic."
"But you turned me away, and had that young Frost take my place."
"I did that because you neglected my business. Somebody had to attend to that business."
"And then you left Chicago without letting me know where you were going."
"I had my reasons for that."
"I trust you didn't do it on my account, aunt. I may have been neglectful, but I--well, I never tried to do you any harm, no matter what that young Frost or others may say against me." Frederic Vernon began to cough, and sank back on a sofa as if partly exhausted.
"You are not well?" she asked, in alarm.