In a few minutes Robert was on his way to the livery stable. He met Frederic Vernon on the street, bound for his aunt's boarding place.
"Hullo, Frost, how is my aunt to-day?" cried the young man.
"Not so well, Mr. Vernon."
"That's too bad. What seems to be the trouble?"
"She can't sleep nights, so she says."
As Robert spoke he looked sharply at the fellow, but Vernon did not change color.
"You ought to take her out for a drive," said the young man.
"That is just what I am going to do."
"Indeed! This morning?"
"Yes, just as soon as I can get a team and a carriage."