"No bad news, I hope, madam?" said Robert.
"It is bad news. Read the letter for yourself," and Mrs. Vernon passed it over.
While Robert read Vernon's letter, the lady perused the communication from her lawyer. It was on several matters of business, but one passage will certainly interest the reader.
"I have followed your directions and had your nephew watched," wrote Mr. Farley. "He is very thick with Dr. Remington, and the pair seem to have some plot between them. Will write again in a few days."
"Well, Robert, what do you think of Frederic's letter?" asked Mrs. Vernon, as she put her lawyer's epistle away.
"Do you want me to speak frankly?" replied our hero.
"Certainly."
"Then let me say that I think it is merely a ruse to get you to come home."
"Do you really think so?"
"I do. Your nephew knows he can do nothing while you are out of his reach."