"She has not mentioned it," responded our hero coldly.
"I am sorry that circumstances compel me to be absent from her for a time," continued Brandon.
"Oh, don't disturb yourself," said Grit. "She is quite used to being alone. I think she mentioned that you talked of going to Europe."
Brandon frowned, and his bitter disappointment was thus recalled to his mind.
"I don't know whether I shall or not," he answered. "It depends upon whether my—speculation turns out well. Where are you going?"
Grit hesitated as to whether he should answer correctly. He was not anxious to have Brandon looking him up in Boston, but it occurred to him that he should be traveling at the West, and, therefore, he answered:
"I have heard of a chance in Boston, and am going to see about it."
"All right, Grit!" said Brandon. "You have my consent."
It occurred to Grit that he did not stand in need of his stepfather's approval, but he did not say so.