"Can you tell me why he left?"
"He was ill-treated by Mr. and Mrs. Fogson."
"That woman tells me he was very troublesome."
"We never found him so, and up to a year ago he was under our charge."
"I surmised as much. Then he has grown up a good boy?"
"Excellent. I feel great affection for Jed."
"That is gratifying to my feelings, seeing I am his aunt."
Mrs. Avery regarded her visitor with surprise.
"Do you claim Jed as your nephew?" she asked.
"Certainly. He is the son of my only brother."