“If you refer to Grant Thornton, I think I may say for him that he has no intention of leaving us.”
“Is he to stay in the house?”
“Of course; and I expect him to aid me in coming to the truth. Let me request, Mrs. Estabrook, that you discontinue referring to him in offensive terms, or I may withdraw my offer guaranteeing you from loss. Grant, if you will accompany me, I have some questions to put to you.”
Grant and his employer left the room together.
“He won't let the boy be punished, though he must know he's guilty,” said Mrs. Estabrook, spitefully.
“He makes a fool of himself about that boy,” said Willis Ford, disconcerted.
“He's an artful young vagabond,” said the housekeeper. “I know he took the bonds.”
“Of course he did,” Ford assented, though he had the best of reasons for knowing that Grant was innocent.
“At any rate,” he continued, “you are all right, mother, since Mr. Reynolds agrees to make up the value of the bonds to you. When you get your money, just consult me about investing it. Don't put it into bonds, for they may be stolen.”
“Perhaps I'd better put it into the savings bank,” said his stepmother.