Several days went by, and now Frederic came to see his aunt regularly morning, afternoon, and evening. From her he learned that she thought of going to Paris, and he eagerly favored the scheme, hoping that through the change he might be able to get the mail.
But he was doomed to bitter disappointment. Before any change could be made there came a long letter from Mr. Farley, showing how money matters stood. Among other things, this showed a deficiency in one bank account of six hundred dollars.
Robert looked over this communication with the lady, for this was a part of his work, Mrs. Vernon trusting him more and more every day with her private affairs.
"I cannot understand this," she said, after referring to her various bank accounts.
"Understand what, Mrs. Vernon?" he asked.
"The account at the American Exchange Bank is just six hundred dollars short."
"Are you certain the stubs have been footed up properly?" asked Robert, in much surprise.
"You footed them up yourself."
"So I did. But I will foot them up again."
The young secretary did so. "According to your check book, you have a balance there of two thousand and three hundred dollars," he said, when he had concluded his calculations.