"I believe he did say something about hiring a boy. What's your name?"
"Robert Frost."
"Well, Frost, my name is Mr. Livingston Palmer."
"Indeed! Are you related to Mr. Palmer who keeps the hotel?"
"I—ahem! I believe we are distantly related. Do your people live in Chicago?"
"No. Some distance out in the country."
"Got a father and mother?"
"No, a mother—and a step-father."
"I sympathize with you. So have I a step-father. He drinks."
"I don't think that is true of Mr. Talbot—my step-father—but if he did, I should not dislike him any more. How do you like this business?"