About three o'clock in the afternoon Robert met his new step-father in the street. He paused, uncertain how to act. But James Talbot approached him with a soft, ingratiating smile.
"Robert," he said, "I am sorry you have taken such a dislike to me. You will excuse my saying that it is quite unreasonable, as you can't know anything about me."
"Perhaps I was hasty," Robert forced himself to say, "but it was a trial to me to think my mother had married again."
"Quite natural, I am sure, so I shall not look upon your manifestations of dislike as personal to myself."
"I suppose not," said Robert slowly. "Of course, I don't know much about you."
"When you do, I hope you will like me better," said Talbot cheerfully. "Have you had any dinner?"
"Yes, sir."
"I hope you will come home to supper. It makes your mother feel very sad to have you stay away."
"Yes, I will come."