“Did you want to see Joel?” she asked.
“I shall be glad to see him in due time, Mrs. Barton,” returned Willis Ford, with unwonted politeness; “but I came principally to see you.”
“Who be you?” inquired Mrs. Barton, unceremoniously; “I don't know you no more'n the dead.”
“There is a slight connection between us, however. I am the stepson of Pauline Estabrook, of New York, who is a cousin of yours.”
“You don't say Pauline is your mother?” ejaculated the lady of the house. “Well, I never expected to see kith or kin of hers out here. Is that your son?”
“No, Mrs. Barton; but he is under my charge.”
Herbert was about to disclaim this, but an ominous frown from Willis Ford intimidated him.
“My name is Willis Ford; his is Sam Green.”
Herbert's eyes opened wide with astonishment at this statement.
“My name is—” he commenced.