"What's his name?"
"Ephraim Carver."
"Why was he not employed? Why should you be sent in his place?"
"I think you had better ask Mr. Graves," said Grit independently.
"Why? Don't you know?"
"Even if I did I should consider that I had no right to tell."
"You are a very conscientious and honorable young man," said Johnson sneeringly.
"Thank you, sir," returned Grit, choosing not to show that he understood the sneer.
"Where is your stepfather?" inquired Johnson, changing the subject abruptly.