"I hope you may be successful," said Mrs. Brandon.
Brandon laughed queerly.
"If the old lady knew that I was going to steal some government bonds, she would hesitate a little before she wished me success," he thought, but he said:
"Thank you, Mrs. B., your good wishes are appreciated, and I may hereafter be able to show my appreciation in a substantial way. I suppose Grit is asleep."
Mrs. Brandon did not answer, finding the question an embarrassing one.
The next morning Brandon, contrary to his wont, showed considerable alacrity in dressing, and did justice to the breakfast his wife had set before him.
"Well, good-bye, Mrs. B.," he said, as he took his hat and prepared to leave the house. "Perhaps I had better go up-stairs and bid good-by to Grit, as I may not see him again for some time."
"Grit is out," said Mrs. Brandon hastily, for she did not wish her husband to go up to Grit's room, as he would discover that his bed had not been slept in.
"Out already?" said Brandon. "He's made an early start. Well, bid him good-by for me."