"Very well," said Vernon indifferently, and soon left.
"I am glad you did not go out with my nephew," said Mrs. Vernon. "He keeps late hours, which would be even worse for a boy of your age than for him."
"I am afraid he is not pleased with my taking his place."
"Probably not; though he won't object to being relieved from all care. Perhaps I had better tell you something about our relations. He is a son of an older brother of my husband, and should I die without a will, he is my natural heir. I fancy he bears this in mind, and that it prevents his making any exertions in his own behalf. I don't mind confessing that I am a rich woman, and that my property would be well worth inheriting."
"Still," said Robert, "you are likely to live a good many years."
"Perhaps so, but I am twenty years older than my nephew. He is a young man of fair abilities, and might achieve a creditable success in business if he were not looking forward to my fortune."
Mrs. Vernon seemed quite confidential, considering their brief acquaintance.
"At any rate," said Robert, smiling, "I hope I am not likely to be spoiled by any such anticipation."
"Some time you shall tell me of your family. Now it may be well to go up to your room and arrange your things."
Robert went upstairs, and retired early, feeling fatigued. He could not help congratulating himself on the favorable change in his circumstances. In the morning he had been despondent and almost penniless. Now he felt almost rich.