CHAPTER III. HECTOR LEARNS A SECRET.
Hector entered the library with some impetuosity. Usually he was quiet and orderly, but he had been excited by the insinuations of Guy, and he was impatient to know what he meant—if he meant anything.
Allan Roscoe looked up, and remarked, with slight sarcasm:
“This is not a bear garden, Hector. You appear to think you are on the playground, judging by your hasty motions.”
“I beg your pardon, uncle,” said Hector, who never took amiss a rebuke which he thought deserved. “I suppose I forgot myself, being excited. I beg your pardon.”
“What is the cause of your excitement?” asked Mr. Roscoe, surveying the boy keenly.
“Guy has said something that I don’t understand.”
“He must have said something very profound, then,” returned Allan Roscoe, with light raillery.
“Indeed, Uncle Allan, it is no laughing matter,” said Hector, earnestly.
“Then let me hear what it is.”