Robert answered the knock at the door.
"Is your mother at home?" asked Wolverton.
"Yes, sir; will you walk in?"
"I believe I will."
He entered the sitting-room, and Mrs. Burton soon made her appearance.
"I see your son has returned, widder," remarked the agent.
"Yes; it seems pleasant to have him back. I missed him greatly."
"Humph! I s'pose so. It's a pity he went at all."
"I don't know that."
"Why, it stands to reason," said Wolverton, impatiently. "He went on a fool's errand."