"Thank you, Fred; not to-night. I haven't seen Mr. Brandon yet, and I may as well get over the first interview as soon as possible. We shall have to come to an understanding, and it is better not to delay it."
"Good night, then; I shall see you to-morrow, for I am going to Portville, and I shall go over in your boat."
"Then we can have a chat together. Good night."
Meanwhile, Mr. Brandon, having slept off his debauch, had come down-stairs.
"Where's the cub?" he asked.
"I wish you wouldn't call him by that name," said his wife. "He wouldn't like it."
"I shall call him what I please. Hasn't he been in?"
"Yes, Grit has been in."
"Grit?"