“I see he does,” returned Bernard in a peculiar tone.
“May I ask, Mr. Snowdon,” he added, after a thoughtful pause, “whether my guardian ever told you about how I was situated?”
“In what way?”
“As to money matters. Did he tell you whether or not I had any fortune?”
“He said you had not.”
“Did he tell you that I was wholly dependent upon his charity?”
“He gave me that impression. You ought to feel very grateful to him for his great-hearted liberality in thus defraying the expenses of a destitute orphan.”
“Probably I am as grateful as the occasion requires,” rejoined Bernard gravely. “I will inquire for letters for you.”
As the boy went out Mr. Snowdon looked after him thoughtfully.
“I hate that boy!” he murmured to himself. “It would do me good to flog him. His guardian has given me leave, and I think that I will soon find an opportunity to avail myself of it.”