“It might take me some time to answer that question.”
“Never mind! I have plenty of time at my command.”
Thus invited, Bernard made a full statement of his position, and the circumstances which led to his leaving America. He also explained why he had left Professor Puffer.
“I am very much interested in your narrative,” said Cunningham. “You are certainly placed in a difficult position. You have reason to think that your guardian is no friend of yours?”
“I am certain of that, sir.”
“This Professor Puffer, though it is doubtful if he has any rightful claim to the title, appears to be a bad lot.”
“That’s what he calls me,” said Bernard, laughing. He already felt on very cordial terms with Mr. Cunningham.
“I may be foolish,” went on Cunningham, after a pause. “I don’t know what my friends will say, but I feel very much inclined to engage you.”
“I hope you will. It is not only that I need employment. I am sure I should enjoy being with you.”
“That settles it,” said Cunningham. “I already like you, and if you like me I am sure it will be pleasant for us to be associated. To be sure, you don’t know much about traveling. I do, and can supply your deficiencies. Now I will tell you why I seek a companion. Partly because it is agreeable, but partly also because I am not robust and am likely—that is, there is a chance of being sick—and in that case I should need a friend with me. I think I want a friend more than a companion. That was one reason why I didn’t feel favorably inclined to the other applicants.”