"I was only repeating what my father told me."
"Your father chose to tell you a lie," said Oliver contemptuously.
"Didn't you lose your place? Tell me that."
"I did lose my place, or rather left it of my own accord."
"Wasn't there a reason for it?" insisted Roland triumphantly.
"There was a charge trumped up against me," said Oliver—"a false charge. Probably your father and your cousin were at the bottom of it. But that isn't what I care to talk about. Is there anything new in Brentville?"
"Carrie Dudley is very well," said Roland significantly.
"I am glad to hear it."
"I called there last evening. I had a splendid time," said Roland.
If Roland expected to excite Oliver's jealousy, he was not likely to succeed. Our hero knew too well Carrie Dudley's real opinion of his step-brother to feel the least fear on the subject.