“Won’t your leaving home give your step-mother and Peter the inside track, and lead, perhaps, to your disinheritance?”
“I suppose so,” answered Carl, wearily; “but no matter what happens, I can’t bear to stay at home any longer.”
“You’re badly fixed—that’s a fact!” said Gilbert, in a tone of sympathy. “What are your plans?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t had time to think.”
CHAPTER II.
A FRIEND WORTH HAVING.
Gilbert wrinkled up his forehead and set about trying to form some plans for Carl.
“It will be hard for you to support yourself,” he said, after a pause; “that is, without help.”
“There is no one to help me. I expect no help.”