“I only recently returned from Europe. I spent nearly a year there.”
Mr. Griswold looked surprised.
“You were hardly in a position to make a European trip when I parted with you,” he said.
“No, but I attracted the attention of a lady who had lost her son—a boy of my age—and she took me in his place.”
“I see, and you are with her.”
“No; she is dead.”
“Ah, I am sorry to hear that. It will make a great difference to you.”
“Not financially. She has provided well for me.”
“I am glad to hear it, Ben. I took a liking to you when I first met you. Where are you staying?”
“At this hotel for a week, with my friend, General Flint of Iowa.”