"No, just to see my mother."
Sam Jones' face fell a little.
"It's too bad she's having such a hard time of it, Robert--indeed it is."
"So you know she is having a hard time?"
"Why, everybody in Granville knows it. Mr. Talbot is drinking like a fish, and using up her money fast, too, so they say."
"It's a shame," muttered Robert. "It's a wonder mother didn't write before."
"Going up to the house now?" continued Sam.
"Yes."
"You'll be in time for a jolly row. I just saw your step-father going up there, and he was about half full."
"It's too bad, Sam. I'll have to do the best I can. I wish my mother would come to Chicago and live with me."