“Yes, but the boy is headstrong and repels my advances.”
“That is singular. He seems to be a very open, frank boy, and I have discovered nothing objectionable in him in the ten weeks we have been together.”
“I am pleased to hear it, but the boy’s ancestry is against him.”
“What do you mean? I thought you said his father was a friend of yours.”
“Yes; we were associated together in early life, but something unpleasant occurred. However, perhaps I had better not speak of it.”
“You have gone too far to recede. I insist upon your continuing.”
“Well, if you insist upon it I will do so. Mr. Lane was in the employ of my uncle and lost his position in consequence of getting money upon a forged check which was traced to him.”
Noel Brooke looked disturbed.
“I am sorry to hear it,” he said gravely.