“That is true, but I am no longer a green country boy. I am able to make my way in New York.”
“I am glad to hear it.”
“Have you seen my mother lately, Mr. Bentham? Is she well?”
“Your mother is not sick, but I can’t say she is looking altogether well. She seems rather thin and careworn. Have you heard from her lately?”
“Yes, and her letter made me anxious. She says that Mr. Winter is getting very irritable and hard to get along with. Of course, that wears upon her.”
“I suspect the old man has met with losses, and that has a bad effect on his temper.”
“I know he has, Mr. Bentham, and I want to consult you professionally on the subject.”
“I am quite at your service, Ben,” said the lawyer, looking rather surprised.
Ben proceeded to tell what he had heard on the Fall River boat.
Mr. Bentham listened with interest.