Just then Mr. Gray entered the office.
"Ah, Frost," he said. "I suppose you haven't a place yet?"
"I have one," answered Robert rather coolly, for he felt that the broker had treated him badly.
"Indeed!"
Then after Robert's departure Palmer told his employer the particulars of his late clerk's good fortune. Mr. Gray was disposed to be incredulous.
On returning to Prairie Avenue Robert found himself just in time for tea. At the table he met a stout, swarthy young man, whom Mrs. Vernon introduced as her nephew, Frederic Vernon.
"Is this a new acquaintance of yours, aunt?" asked Frederic Vernon.
"It is my new secretary," she replied, "Robert Frost."
"That boy!" he said disdainfully, regarding Robert with unmistakable animosity.