"I am surprised. How did you learn my address?"
"Never mind that now, Robert. I came to see how you are getting along."
"You ought to know. You got my letter, even if my mother didn't," answered Robert bitterly.
"I got no letter, my lad, upon my honor I did not. I came out of pure friendliness to you."
"Then let me tell you that I am doing very well."
"I heard something about your being out of work on account of a fire."
"Did Mr. Gray tell you?"
"Never mind who told me." James Talbot cleared his throat. "As you are out of work I thought perhaps that you would like to come to work for me."
"Work for you!"