"I got it from Sproggens at the depot. He was talking with the fellow while he was waiting for a train. I hope you didn't encourage him, Sarah. If the boy sees fit to run away and stay away, let him make his own way."
"That is just what Robert is doing, James," cried the lady, her face flushing.
"Then why did Robert send that young man here?"
"He didn't send him here."
"Humph!" James Talbot was on the point of saying that he did not believe the statement, but cut himself short. If he angered his wife now he might have trouble in getting the five or ten thousand dollars she had said she would loan him.
"The young man belonged to that theatrical company we went to see," continued Mrs. Talbot. "He knew Robert and so he thought he would call here and see me."
"What did he have to say about the boy?"
"He said Robert had been doing very well, but a fire burnt out the office in which he was employed."
"And what is the boy doing now?"