"Where's he gone?"
"To the tavern. He said he would meet you there at four o'clock."
"What time is it?" asked Brandon, trying to get up.
"Two o'clock."
"I'll be there. You tell him so, Grit."
"I will if I see him."
Grit went on his way to Mrs. Sprague's, and had no difficulty in making the arrangement he desired for his mother and himself, when she learned that Mr. Brandon was not to come, too.
"I feel for your mother, Grit," she said. "If I can help her in this trial, I certainly will."
"Thank you, Mrs. Sprague. I will return and tell her. Perhaps she may come over by the middle of the afternoon. I don't like to leave her alone in the house with Mr. Brandon."
"She will be welcome whenever she comes, Grit."