“I suppose,” said Mr. Penrose, smiling, “that important business prevented your breakfasting with my old teacher, Mr. Snowdon.”
“Yes, sir; very important business.”
“Does he provide a liberal table?”
“Very far from it, sir.”
“So I imagined; though when I was his pupil, he had no boarding pupils. Suppose we take a walk about the town. I have never been in Poplar Plains before.”
“All right, sir.”
It was two hours before they returned. They had sauntered to the river and taken a seat on the bank under some old trees that afforded a grateful shelter. Mr. Penrose found himself more and more attracted by the frank, open nature of his boy companion.
“Really, Bernard,” he said, “I find you a very agreeable comrade. I am glad I fell in with you.”
“I shouldn’t think you would be, sir.”
“Why not?”